An explicit finite element modelling method for masonry walls under out-of-plane loading

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 113; pp. 103 - 120
• Main Authors: Noor-E-Khuda, Sarkar, Dhanasekar, Manicka, Thambiratnam, David P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.04.2016
• Subjects: Explicit finite element model; Macroscopic material; Masonry; Out-of-plane; Pre-compression; Shell element; Shell element; Masonry; Explicit finite element model; Pre-compression; Out-of-plane; Macroscopic material
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.01.026

•An explicit finite element method is presented for out-of-plane loaded wall structures.•Homogenised masonry properties are successfully incorporated into shell elements.•Predicted out-of-plane response of walls agree well with experimental results.•Solid and perforated walls of varied aspect ratios, supports and pre-compression examined.•Sensitivity of key parameters of walls to its ductility and failure is reported. An explicit finite element modelling method is formulated using a layered shell element to examine the behaviour of masonry walls subject to out-of-plane loading. Masonry is modelled as a homogenised material with distinct directional properties that are calibrated from datasets of a “C” shaped wall tested under pressure loading applied to its web. The predictions of the layered shell model have been validated using several out-of-plane experimental datasets reported in the literature. Profound influence of support conditions, aspect ratio, pre-compression and opening to the strength and ductility of masonry walls is exhibited from the sensitivity analyses performed using the model.