Finite/discrete element modelling of reversed cyclic tests on unreinforced masonry structures

• Published in: Engineering structures 2017-05, Vol.138, p.159-169
• Main Authors: Miglietta, Paola Costanza, Bentz, Evan C., Grasselli, Giovanni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boundary conditions; Complexity; Computer simulation; Construction materials; Damage accumulation; Degradation; Earthquake construction; Earthquake damage; Earthquakes; Energy dissipation; Finite element analysis; Finite/discrete method; Fracture mechanics; Masonry; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; Reinforced concrete; Retrofitting; Reverse cyclic loading; Seismic activity; Software; Stiffness; Structural damage; Studies
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.02.019

•We introduced Y-Brick as a potential tool for the analysis of masonry structures.•We used Y-Brick to replicate a reversed cyclic test carried out on a masonry pier.•The precision increases with the level of detailing of the model.•We used Y-Brick to replicate reversed cyclic tests on more complex masonry walls.•The model can replicate the quantitative and the qualitative experimental results. In the present paper a branch of the FDEM software, developed at the University of Toronto and called Y-Brick, is presented and validated as a useful tool to model the reversed cyclic behaviour of masonry structures of varying levels of complexity. After discussing the available numerical tools for the simulation of the behaviour of masonry, Y-Brick is introduced and described. The program is then used to reproduce a set of experimental tests. The tests consist of applying reverse cyclic in-plane shear to three structures, of different size and complexity, but built using the same materials, with the purpose of simulating the effects of an earthquake. Y-Brick has shown to be able to quantitatively reproduce the experimental results in terms of stiffness degradation, maximum base shear, and energy dissipation with an error of less than 20%, requiring as input information simply the geometry of the specimens, the boundary conditions of the test, and the representative value of the properties of the materials that were used for the experiments. Y-Brick has also shown to be capable of identifying the position of the cracks that form as the structures accumulate damage, providing potential information for eventual strengthening or retrofitting.