In this study, a novel computational modeling strategy is proposed to estimate the lateral load capacity and behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures. All commonly noted failure mechanisms are captured via the proposed modeling strategy using the discrete element method (DEM) in three-dimensions (3D). Masonry walls are represented as a system of elastic discrete blocks, where the nodal velocities are evaluated by integrating the equations of motion using the central difference method. Then, the mechanical interactions among adjacent blocks are examined utilizing the relative contact displacements and employed in the contact stress calculation. Through this research, a new stress-displacement contact constitutive model is considered and implemented in the commercial software 3DEC, which includes softening stressdisplacement behavior for tension, shear, and compression along with the fracture energy concept. The results of the discontinuum models are validated on small-and large-scale experimental studies available in the literature with good agreement. Furthermore, important inferences are made regarding the effect of block size, the number of contact points, and contact stiffness values for robust and accurate simulations of masonry walls.
This study proposes an alternative approach to modeling the failure mechanisms of brickwork assemblages under combined shear-compression, shear-tension (parallel to bed joints), and compression-flexural loadings using the discrete element method (DEM). In this context, recently developed elastic-softening contact constitutive laws considering the mode-I and mode-II fracture energies are implemented into the dynamic solution scheme of the DEM to simulate the mechanical interaction between mortar and masonry units represented via 3D polyhedral blocks. Different experimental studies from the literature are used to validate the proposed computational models, and good agreement is found in terms of strength, material behavior, and fracture mechanisms. The findings of this research indicate that the proposed modeling strategy is successful in predicting the macro behavior of masonry under various complex fracture modes based on the defined micro properties. Sensitivity analyses are also performed by varying the fracture energy and valuable inferences are made with respect to the stress-displacement response and failure mechanisms of masonry.
This study proposes new contact models to be incorporated into discrete element method (DEM) to more accurately simulate the tensile softening in quasi-brittle materials, such as plain concrete and masonry with emphasis on fracture mechanism and post-peak response. For this purpose, a plain concrete specimen (double notched) and stack bonded masonry prism under direct tensile test are modeled. Furthermore, mixed mode crack propagation is investigated in concrete and brickwork assemblages. Two modeling approaches are proposed, the simplified and detailed meso modeling, both based on DEM. In the simplified meso-model, a smooth contact surface is considered between two separate blocks, whereas the internal structure of the material is explicitly represented as a tessellation into random polyhedral blocks in the detailed meso-model. Furthermore, recently developed tensile softening contact constitutive models implemented into a commercial discrete element code (3DEC) are used to simulate the softening behavior of concrete and masonry. As an important novel contribution, it is indicated that the proposed computational models successfully capture the complete (pre-and post-peak) material behavior and realistically replicate the cracking mechanism. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis demonstrates the influence of the various micro-contact parameters on the overall response of the examined materials.
Abstract:The use of fiber reinforcement in traditional concrete mixes has been extensively studied and has been slowly finding its regular use in practice. In contrast, opportunities for the use of fibers in masonry applications and structural rehabilitation projects (masonry and concrete structures) have not been as deeply investigated, where the base matrix may be a weaker cementitious mixture. This paper will summarize the findings of the author's research over the past 10 years in these particular applications of fiber reinforced cements (FRC). For masonry, considering both mortar and mortar-unit bond characteristics, a 0.5% volume fraction of micro fibers in type N Portland cement lime mortar appear to be a viable recipe for most masonry joint applications both for clay and concrete units. In general, clay units perform better with high water content fiber reinforced mortar (FRM) while concrete masonry units (CMUs) perform better with drier mixtures, so 130% and 110% flow rates should be targeted, respectively. For earth block masonry applications, fibers' benefits are observed in improving local damage and water pressure resistance. The FRC retrofit technique proposed for the rehabilitation of reinforced concrete two-way slabs has exceeded expectations in terms of capacity increase for a relatively low cost in comparison to the common but expensive fiber reinforced polymer applications. For all of these applications of fiber-reinforced cements, further research with larger data pools would lead to further optimization of fiber type, size, and amount.
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