A multi-surface interface model for sequentially linear methods to analyse masonry structures. (1st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pari, M.; Van de Graaf, A.V.; Hendriks, M.A.N.; Rots, J.G.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 238(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-01
• Subjects: Masonry micro-modelling -- Brittle failure -- Composite failure surface -- Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA) -- Force-Release method; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Discretised composite failure surfaces for line and planar interfaces. Suitable to simulate local cracking, crushing and shearing failures in masonry. Suitable to load-unload (total) and incremental sequentially linear methods. Helps capture localised brittle collapse mechanisms in a robust manner. Abstract: In the finite element modelling of masonry structures, the micro-modelling technique of differentiating the continuum into a linear elastic bulk, and interfaces representing non-linear joints is common. However, this approach of simulating cracking-crushing-shearing failure possibilities in interfaces, typical of damage in masonry, also poses numerical stability issues due to the quasi-brittle nature of the failure. In this regard, the article proposes the use of numerically robust sequentially linear procedures and a suitable discretised tension-shear-compression failure model for interfaces. Sequentially linear solution procedures describe the nonlinear response of a specimen/structure through a sequence of scaled linear analyses, each of which represents locally applied damage increments, using secant-stiffness based discretised constitutive relations called saw-tooth laws. The constitutive formulation proposed herein includes a tension cut-off criterion combined with a uniaxial discretised softening law, a Coulomb friction criterion with a discretised cohesion softening law, and a compression cut-off criterion combined with a uniaxial discretised hardening–softening law. It is presented for both two-dimensional (2D) line interfaces and three-dimensional (3D) planar interfaces. The applicability of these formulations are illustrated using 2D and 3D models of a pushover analysis on a squat unreinforced masonry wall. The simulations are made using Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA) and the Force-Release method, which are total (load-unload) and incremental sequentially linear methods respectively. The clear global softening in the force–displacement evolution and the localised brittle shear failure observed in the experiment are reproduced well and in a stable manner.