Numerical prediction of the behavior, strength and elasticity of masonry in compression

Abstract

The paper focuses on the numerical prediction of the compressive response of masonry by means of detailed micro-modelling techniques. In such a model, the material constituents (mortar and units) and the unit-mortar interfaces are separately described by means of specific constitutive equations.The available modeling choices are evaluated through a literature review of related case studies. A systematic approach is proposed and is corroborated by the numerical simulation of a large number of experimental cases from various sources. A total of fifty experimental results are simulated resulting in an overall good prediction of the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the masonry composite, as well as a realistic depiction of the failure mode.This study focuses on the numerical prediction of the compressive strength of masonry, extending to issues pertaining to global stiffness, failure mode, hardening and softening behavior of masonry and their numerical simulation. The masonry typology considered consists of solid units, primarily brick, and mortar of mostly lower strength and higher deformability. Highlights• The behavior of masonry in compression is investigated using micro-models• A combined smeared cracking-plasticity law is used for the units and mortar• A total of fifty experimental compression tests are simulated• Compressive strength and Young's modulus of masonry is well approximated• Remarks on the behavior and failure mode of masonry in compression are made

Proposal of Design Formulae for Equivalent Elasticity of Masonry Structures Made with Bricks of Low Modulus

“…Any increase in the ratio of mortar increased the elasticity of masonry. This is consistent with the data obtained by Drougkas et al [31] and Gumaste et al [3] who also examined the mor > case as shown in Table 6. Table 8 and Figure 7 illustrate the comparison results of the equivalent elastic moduli based on data obtained by Gumaste et al [3] (see Table 7).…”

Finite Element Micro-Modeling for the Characterization of Inclined Head Joints Archaeological Masonry: The Case of Villa Diomede in Pompeii

“…Although crushing of units is not usual for running bond masonry, however it may occur and affect global collapse mode when units and mortar have comparable compressive strength [6], as in this case. The PIJ and TIJ samples showed similar behaviors.…”

“…Current modeling strategy for compressive behavior prediction of masonry structures was validated by research work performed by Drougkas et al [6]. The method is intended to be applied in specimens where units have a higher compressive strength and stiffness than mortar.…”

Modelagem numérica de juntas de argamassa em estruturas de alvenaria utilizando elementos finitos com alta razão de aspecto.

“…Nosúltimos anos, com o crescimento da aplicação de simulação computacional para prever o comportamento de estruturas, diversos modelos numéricos têm sido propostos para representar o comportamento de estruturas de alvenaria submetidasà diversos tipos de carregamentos [Manos et al, 2012, Vandoren et al, 2013, Salát, 2015, Drougkas et al, 2015, Toti et al, 2015, Tesei and Ventura, 2016, Smoljanović et al, 2015, Greco et al, 2016, Milani et al, 2014, Addessi et al, 2014, Macorini and Izzuddin, 2013, Facconi et al, 2013, Addessi and Sacco, 2016, Saloustros et al, 2015a, Bolhassani et al, 2015. Nestes modelos, a principal dificuldade encontrada, tem sido representar o comportamento não linear das juntas de argamassa.…”

“…Nosúltimos anos diversos modelos numéricos têm sido desenvolvidos para modelagem computacional de estruturas de alvenaria [Manos et al, 2012, Vandoren et al, 2013, Salát, 2015, Drougkas et al, 2015, Toti et al, 2015, Tesei and Ventura, 2016, Smoljanović et al, 2015, Greco et al, 2016, Milani et al, 2014, Addessi et al, 2014, Macorini and Izzuddin, 2013, Facconi et al, 2013. O desenvolvimento destes modelos tem sido um desafio, principalmente, por se tratar de uma estrutura complexa, composta por um conjunto de blocos sobrepostos que têm suas interfaces preenchidas por argamassa.…”