Implementation and validation of a total displacement non-linear homogenization approach for in-plane loaded masonry. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertolesi, Elisa; Milani, Gabriele; Lourenço, Paulo B.
• Is Part Of: Computers & structures. Volume 176(2016)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Masonry -- In-plane loads -- Semi-analytical approach -- Compatible model of homogenization -- Holonomic non-linear model; Structural engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Electronic data processing -- Structures, Theory of -- Periodicals; 624.171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2016.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-7949

Abstract

Highlights: Two simple homogenization models in the inelastic range for running bond masonry. Subdivision of the RVE into few triangular elastic elements for bricks and non-linear joint interfaces. Closed form or semi-analytical solution of the discretized non linear homogenization model. Utilization at a structural level of a homogenized rigid body and spring model (HRBSM). Comprehensive validation at a structural level on shear walls and a deep beam. Abstract: Two simple homogenization models suitable for the non-linear analysis of masonry walls in-plane loaded are presented. A rectangular running bond elementary cell is discretized by means of twenty-four constant stress three-noded plane-stress triangular elements and linear two-noded interfaces. Non-linearity is concentrated on mortar reduced to interface, exhibiting a holonomic behavior with softening. The paper shows how the mechanical problem in the unit cell can be characterized by very few displacement/stress variables and how homogenized stress-strain behavior can be evaluated by means of a small-scale system of non-linear equations. At a structural level, it is therefore not necessary to solve a homogenization problem at each load step in each Gauss point and a direct implementation into commercial software as an external user supplied subroutine is straightforward. Non-linear structural analyses are conducted on a variety of different problems, for which experimental and numerical data are available in the literature, in order to show that accurate results can be obtained with a limited computational effort.