Seismic performance of interlocking compressed-earth block composite walls

•A novel interlocking compressed-earth block (ICEB) composite wall is proposed.•The effects of structural measures on the seismic performance of composite walls are analyzed.•A hysteretic model of the composite walls was established, and the model's validity was verified. This study proposes a novel interlocking compressed-earth block (ICEB) composite wall. The composite walls consist of stabilized interlocking compressed-earth blocks, reinforced concrete core columns, structural columns, and lateral strengthening strips. Nine interlocking compressed-earth block composite walls are designed and prepared at a scale of 1:2 based on the shear wall of traditional residences in Chinese villages. The effects of different structural measures on the seismic performance of composite walls are investigated through low-frequency cyclic loading tests. The failure mode, hysteretic behavior, stiffness degradation, ductility, and energy dissipation ability of the walls under lateral loads are obtained and analyzed. Based on analysis of test curves, the characteristic envelope curves model, calculation method of loading and unloading stiffness, and hysteretic trends are established and a trilinear restoring force model suitable for the wall obtained.