Characteristics of unconfined masonry walls under in-plane static and reverse-cyclic loading: a comparative numerical study

Abstract

This study presents the simplified micro-modeling for unconfined masonry walls under in-plane static and reverse cyclic loading by analyzing two approaches namely springs modeling (SM) approach and expanded units modeling (EUM) approach. The analysis was performed in ANSYS by using Newton Raphson’s technique for the solution of the finite elements. The first approach namely SM approach considers mortar as non-linear spring elements and the brick–mortar interface is defined as non-linear contact. SM approach shows remarkable accuracy of results including stiffness and failure load under in-plane static loading. It also provides a very efficient and computationally inexpensive way of solution. The EUM approach considers the bricks as ‘expanded units’ which means the brick dimensions are increased by mortar thickness on each side. It is a more versatile technique, especially useful under the in-plane reverse cyclic loading. The EUM approach provides an easier modeling alternative and the computational economy is also improved. The novelty of the present study is established by comparing these two different approaches on same finite element user interface under similar conditions. The comparative results thus conclude that the accuracy, versatility and computational economy of these modeling approaches are significantly improved than the already employed methods in previous researches.

Keywords:

• Numerical modeling
• masonry
• finite element analysis
• ANSYS
• springs
• expanded units

Authors’ Contributions

Conceptualization was done by Dr. Asad Ullah Qazi and Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer and Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal; Data curation was carried out by Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer and Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal; Formal analysis, Engr. Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer; Investigation, Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer, Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal and Dr. Asad Ullah Qazi; Methodology, Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer, Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal and Dr. Asad Ullah Qazi; Software, Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer,Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal and Muhammad Mubashir Ajmal; Supervision, Dr. Asad Ullah Qazi and Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal; Validation, Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer, Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal and Dr. Asad Ullah Qazi; Writing—original draft, Engr. Muhammad Asad Naseer,Engr. Ubaid Ahmad Mughal and Dr. Ali Ahmed.

Disclosure Statement

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials. Derived data (if any) supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [initials] on request.

Code Availability

The software code has been obtained from ANSYS v15.0 Help and Analysis reference manual.