In-Plane Behaviour of Masonry Walls: Numerical Analysis and Design Formulations

Abstract

This paper presents the results of several numerical analyses aimed at investigating the in-plane resistance of masonry walls by means of two modelling approaches: a finite element model (FEM) and a discrete macro-element model (DMEM). Non-linear analyses are developed, in both cases, by changing the mechanical properties of masonry (compressive and tensile strengths, fracture energy in compression and tension, shear strength) and the value of the vertical compression stress applied on the walls. The reliability of both numerical models is firstly checked by means of comparisons with experimental tests available in the literature. The analyses show that the numerical results provided by the two modelling approaches are in good agreement, in terms of both failure loads and modes, while some differences are observed in their load-displacement curves, especially in the non-linear field. Finally, the numerical in-plane resistances are compared with the theoretical formulations provided by the Italian building code for both flexural and shear failure modes and an amendment for the shape factor ‘b’ introduced in the code formulation for squat walls is proposed.

Strength Parameters of Clay Brick Walls with Various Directions of Force

“…The latest works in the field of research and modeling of masonry structures concern the influence of the value of the modulus of elasticity and Poisson ratio outside the range of 33% of the ultimate stress on the shear behavior of masonry walls. Nonlinear static analyses are commonly adopted for the evaluation of seismic performance [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Research on that subject has been presented by Laurenco et al [ 14 ] with a yield criterion that includes different strengths along each material axis.…”

“…This model is validated with uniform biaxial loading conditions [ 11 , 14 ]. Celano et al in [ 15 ] presented research on the in-plane resistance of masonry walls by means of two modeling approaches: a finite element model and a discrete macro-element model with the use of non-linear analyses. Beconcini et al in [ 12 ] presented a combined test procedure for the experimental characterization of masonry mechanical parameters and the assessment of the shear behavior of masonry walls.…”

Research and TLS (LiDAR) Construction Diagnostics of Clay Brick Masonry Arched Stairs

“…The finite element method (FEM) is a fundamental analysis for the assessment of masonry in seismic zones [25][26][27][28]. Nonlinear static calculation methods are commonly adopted for the evaluation of seismic performance [26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Laurenco et al [28] presented a research study on that subject with a yield criterion that included different strengths along each material axis.…”

“…Baraldi et al [31] presented the rigid beam model for studying the dynamic behavior of cantilever unreinforced masonry walls, considered along their thickness and subjected to out-of-plane loading. Celano et al [32] presented research on the in-plane resistance of masonry walls with the use of two modeling approaches, a finite element model and a discrete macro-element model, with the use of non-linear analyses.…”

Parametric Analysis of Failure Loads of Masonry Textures by Means of Discontinuity Layout Optimization (DLO)

“…When dealing with masonry wall, the effect of load direction on shear strength can be of importance [ 10 ], and of course the orthotropic nature of the material should be taken into account [ 11 ]. A comparison of several methods to assess the response of plane masonry is reported in [ 12 ], whereas a comprehensive review of the numerical models available for structures made with (periodic) masonry is in [ 13 ], and an overview of available design method is in [ 14 ].…”