Numerical simulations of masonry laboratory tests: a sensitivity analysis of the compressive behaviour

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2012

Authors

Rui Sousa (Author) FEUP; Hipólito Sousa (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: 15th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference

15th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference

Florianópolis – Brazil, 3rd to 6th June 2012

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering

Other information

Abstract (EN): The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate how computer simulations of laboratory tests can be useful for studying the compressive behaviour of masonry systems, made with materials with different properties, without consuming too many laboratory resources. This paper describes a sensitivity analysis applied successfully to a case study, namely in a shell bedded masonry system made with lightweight concrete units that was developed in Portugal for single leaf walls. The sensitivity analysis consisted in computer simulations of simple compressive tests on masonry through the use of 3D Finite Element Method and non-linear constitutive model, which was calibrated through a small number of laboratory tests carried on masonry samples and masonry materials. In the analysis some variations on the properties of the masonry materials (units and joints) was considered, and the results obtained are presented and discussed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific