Simulating defects in brick masonry panels subjected to compressive loads

Channel steel-reinforced brick column technology has gained significant popularity in rural China due to its convenience and cost effectiveness. However, current research on channel steel reinforcement is sparse, and engineering applications often rely solely on construction experience. This reliance leads to significant construction errors, inconsistent reinforcement effects, and, in some cases, tragedies such as the collapse of Changsha’s “4.29” self-built houses. Therefore, in this paper, experimental and simulation studies on brick columns reinforced with external channel steel were conducted, and the results show that channel steel reinforcement can significantly enhance the axial load capacity of brick columns. However, increased initial stress levels and height-to-thickness ratios substantially reduce the reinforcement effect. Under axial pressure, the outer channel steel fails mainly through bending and buckling instability. Still, due to its good ductility, its failure occurs later than the brick column after being restrained by sufficient wall screws. Based on the experimental and simulation results, a method for calculating the axial compressive bearing capacity of the reinforced column is proposed, providing theoretical support and engineering guidance for applying this reinforcement method.

Section: Specimen Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Axial Compressive Properties of Long Columns of In-Service Brick Masonry Reinforced by Channel Steel

Chen,

Ao,

Liang

2024

“…Construction and workmanship defects have a substantial impact on masonry compressive strength. Gregori et al [1] simulate defects in brick masonry panels subjected to compressive loads, underscoring the significance of quality workmanship in maintaining masonry strength. Furthermore, Smith and Jones [2] conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of workmanship on the compressive strength of masonry, highlighting the importance of proper construction techniques in ensuring structural integrity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proposal of Empirical Equations for Masonry Compressive Strength: Considering the Compressive Strength Difference between Bricks and Mortar

Nazimi,

Castro,

Omi

et al. 2024

Solid brick masonry poses challenges in predicting compressive strength due to its non-homogeneous and anisotropic nature, compounded by variations in the properties of the constituent bricks and mortar. This research addresses this issue through secondary analysis and examining the interplay between brick-and-mortar compressive strengths. Contrary to existing empirical equations for predicting masonry compressive strength, regression analysis was conducted on test specimens categorized into two groups based on the relative strength of the constitutive materials: Group 1, masonry specimens with bricks stronger than mortar (fb > fj), and Group 2, specimens where the mortar has higher compressive strength than the bricks (fj > fb). Additionally, the calculated impact of factors like the slenderness ratio and mortar-to-brick joint thickness ratio on masonry compressive strength highlights the need for more precise compressive strength predictions. The results emphasize the importance of considering the individual contributions of bricks and mortar to the overall compressive strength, shedding light on how these components affect structural behavior.

“…On the other hand, microscale modeling [10][11][12][13] treats the material as a discrete system composed of particles and investigates the mechanical properties, fracture behavior, particle arrangement, etc., by simulating the interactions and movements between particles. For example, Micaela Mercuri et al [12] studied the fracture behavior and size effect of masonry dome structures through microscale modeling.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Simulation of a Masonry Arch Bridge with Initial Defects Based on Cohesive Elements

Zou,

Wang,

2023

Most of the existing masonry bridges have been in service for a significant duration, and as a result of construction limitations, these structures often exhibit intricate geometric defects. Furthermore, under prolonged loading conditions, the rheological behavior of rock can induce deformation in masonry bridges, leading to a continuously evolving stress state. Employing an idealized model for safety assessment frequently results in an overestimation of their load-bearing capacity. To accurately evaluate the load-bearing performance and remaining service life of masonry bridges, as well as to prevent safety incidents, this study employs a parametric approach to establish a two-phase numerical model of masonry bridges. In this model, cohesive elements are introduced to simulate the bonding relationship, while the distribution pattern of geometric initial defects is determined based on the theory of conditional random fields. Additionally, the rheological behavior of rock is incorporated through a custom-written Abaqus user subroutine. Building upon this foundation, the probability distribution of the load-bearing capacity of masonry bridges is reconstructed using the maximum entropy method with fractional moment constraints. The resulting outcomes are compared and validated against those obtained using the decomposition conditional correlation matrix. Finally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method are demonstrated through numerical simulations and field measurements conducted on an actual bridge. The findings reveal that the method introduced in this paper adequately accounts for the stochastic nature of geometric initial defects, objectively reflects the operational performance of masonry bridges, and effectively simulates the complete failure process of such structures. Consequently, this method provides a solid basis for the safety assessment of masonry bridges.