Finite element simulation of masonry wall behavior: Exploring various brick bonds and load conditions

Abstract

The objective of this document is to study the mechanical response of masonry structures with three different forms of assemblies, and subject to different loads (lateral and cyclic). Simulations are conducted using Abaqus software, employing the finite element method. The validity of the model is verified by taking into account the experimental and numerical results available in the literature. The "stretcher bond," the traditional bond commonly employed in masonry walls, and two newly proposed brick bonds known as "single basket-weave" and "double basket-weave" are the three types of brick bonds that are analyzed and interpreted. Additionally, the effect of reinforcement using composite materials (a strip of fiberglass) is studied for the wall with the connection type “stretcher bond”. A new form of composite materials strip is adopted for the reinforcement study, the choice of this new position and shape is based on the results observed in the first section of this document. The failure mode and load-displacement curves for each case are depicted and interpreted. The final step involves simulating models with openings of different sizes and positions relative to the wall (wall with a stretcher bond). The results show that the type of brick bond influences the deformation mechanism as well as its resistance to rupture. Indeed, the wall (with stretcher bond) exhibits high load resistance compared to other types of bonds. This analysis also demonstrates that reinforcing masonry wall with composite materials helps improve his resistance to cyclic loading. Finally, the presence of openings (their locations and sizes) can affect the response of the studied wall, as these openings lead to a decrease in the wall's resistance compared to samples without openings.