Computational, Analytical, and Experimental Modeling of Masonry Structures

Keywords: Earthquakes, Unreinforced masonry, In-plane, Out-of-plane, Bidirectional loading, Experiment, Finite element, Interaction curves

Abstract: Existing material models and numerical procedures have been limited to capturing either in-plane or out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls. Similarly, most experimental studies have focused on two-dimensional behavior of walls and buildings, and there is very little data on the interaction of in-plane and out-of-plane response. This report addresses gaps in knowledge pertaining to modeling of masonry structures subjected to extreme loadings by developing robust constitutive material models and three-dimensional numerical procedures, and validating them using experimental data conducted by the authors. The proposed constitutive material models use implicit and explicit formulations, and work seamlessly with commercial finite element software such as TNO DIANA and ABAQUS.