Simulation of brick masonry wall behaviour under cyclic lateral loading using finite element method

Abstract

This report presents the results of lateral strength and behaviours of masonry wall by using finite element method. The study focused on comparison of lateral forces that caused the initial crack and ultimate crack between laboratory experiments done by previous researchers and the results from finite element method. There were three masonry models based on the laboratory experiments done by previous researchers. Previous researcher constructed and tested three full scale wall specimens by using lading equipment in laboratory. Autofem finite element analysis software was used to carry out the analysis. Solid element was used to model the wall in accordance with the dimensions of wall specimen by previous researcher. Static vertical forces and cyclic lateral forces were applied onto the model for analysis purpose. Results from the study suggested that internal crack of masonry happened at a lower applied lateral forces than the results from laboratory experiments. Results also showed lower lateral displacement values compared to results of laboratory experiments. The finding showed that internal stress of masonry was possibly to be identified when it was subjected to lateral forces.