Computational Methods in Engineering

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An effective approach for strengthening masonry buildings is to apply shotcrete reinforced with mesh on the surface of the wall. It is not possible to assess the behaviour of coated walls solely using analytical approaches based on simple equations of theory of elasticity without the use of numerical methods. Unreinforcced masonry wall is modelled in this study using the finite element software “ANSYS” to assess the behavior of walls strengthened with reinforced jacket. The accuracy of the model is ensured by calibrating the model against results obtained from laboratory tests. Then the calibrated model is generilized to model the strengthed wall and, finally, the analytical results obtained from masonry walls and strengthed walls are compared and evaluated.

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This paper presents a macro model to predict unreinforced masonry structures in plane behavior. The model is based on the concept of multilaminate theory. In the past, the method has been used to model behavior of soil, disregarding the cohesion and the tensile strength. Regarding its mathematical base, and the possibility of applying in other cases, this method is used to predict the ultimate failur load in URM structures in present study. This model is intrinsically capable of spotting induced anisotropy of brittle material such as concrete, rocks and masonry, develponig as a result of cracking. Here, the yield surface applied, consists an generalized mohr-coulomb yield surface, along with a cap model and a cut-off tensile. Comparing numerical results predicted to be obtained in non-linear analysis of masonry structures unreinforced against lateral load, with the results of ther experimental data shows capability of the model in failure analysis of URM structures.