Discrete element modelling of the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of dry-joint masonry wall constructions

By T. Bui, A. Limam, Vasilis Sarhosis, Mohammed Hjiaj. 2017

197 citations recorded by the source corpus.

This paper aims to improve knowledge on the suitability of the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of different in-configuration structural masonry walls constructed with dry joints. The study compares the results obtained from laboratory tests against those predicted using the three-dimensional distinct element 3DEC software. Significant features of the structural behaviour shown by the walls are discussed and conclusions on their ultimate capacity and failure mechanisms are addressed. A key feature of the DEM is the important role that brick discontinuities, i.e. joints, play in the mechanics of masonry. Within DEM, the bricks were modelled as continuum rigid elements while the joints were modelled by line interface elements represented by the Mohr-Coulomb law. The analysis of the results showed that the model developed is capable of representing the crack development and load carrying capacity of masonry structures constructed with dry joints with sufficient accuracy. Moreover, a collection of experimentally verified material parameters is provided to be used by other researchers and engineers and to develop a reliable model to solve engineering challenges worldwide.

Subfields: Building and Construction, Civil and Structural Engineering, Earth-Surface Processes

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/c0a29745a1241e758e971214d29bd4778c9b32f7

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Building and Construction

1. Giovanni Castellazzi
2. S. de Miranda
3. Vasilis Sarhosis
4. A. M. D’Altri

In Civil and Structural Engineering

1. Giovanni Castellazzi
2. S. de Miranda
3. A. M. D’Altri
4. Vasilis Sarhosis

In Earth-Surface Processes

1. Giovanni Castellazzi
2. S. de Miranda
3. Vasilis Sarhosis
4. A. M. D’Altri

Citations in the corpus

• A 3D detailed micro-model for the in-plane and out-of-plane numerical analysis of masonry panels (2018, methodology): “One the one hand, DEM approaches do not generally account for masonry crushing, making this modelling strategy more suitable for analysing dry-joint masonry or low bond strength masonry, where failure occurs in the mortar or in the brickmortar interface rather than in the units [40].”