Finite Element Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Walls

AbstractIn the present work nonlinear finite element program written in fortran language to simulate the behavior of masonry wall under the action of monotonic loading has been developed. The masonry is modeled as a two-phase material, treating bricks and mortar joints separately, thus allowing for nonlinear deformation characteristic and progressive local failure of both bricks and mortar joints. The influence of the mortar joint is taken into account by using an interface cap model as a part of a rational unit-joint model able to describe cracking, slipping and crushing of the material. The capabilities of the program have been examined and demonstrated by analyzing two different types of masonry wall. The accuracy of the analytical results was assessed by comparing them with the experimental results and shown to be good. Key words: Interface element, Masonry Wall, Nonlinear behavior.