Numerical analysis and experimental characterisation of brick masonry

Simulating the mechanical behaviour of masonry structures by using numerical analysis is still a complex subject because the process is hindered by little knowledge of the properties of masonry constituents and the interface. In particular, the definition of mechanical properties of masonry components is a key issue when finite element analysis is adopted for the prediction of the mechanical behaviour of masonry walls under accidental and exceptional loads. In an attempt to develop a detailed micro-modelling of brick masonry under compression, where the brick unit, mortar and brick-mortar interface are defined by their corresponding mechanical properties obtained through experimental testing, this work presents experimental tests on brick units, mortar and small masonry cubic specimens. Hence, a detailed micro-modelling of brick masonry cubic specimen is developed in ABAQUS. The numerical model is calibrated and validated based on the results obtained from the experimental tests on masonry cubic specimens. The results show that the numerical model is able to predict the mechanical behaviour of the masonry specimen with 95% accuracy in terms of compressive strength.