Nonlinear Mesoscale Modelling of Urm Structures Under Cyclic Loading

Abstract eng:
Given the significant seismic vulnerability and complex behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures, detailed numerical modelling is necessary to provide better understanding and reliable prediction of their response under earthquake loading. However the development of accurate numerical models for URM remains a major challenge, due to the characteristics of the material, most notably the strong influence of the mesostructure and of the properties of the constituents. In previous research, most approaches employ macroscale or 2D mesoscale models, failing to fully represent the material in a generic way. Certain more advanced 3D mesoscale approaches have been developed mostly for monotonic loading conditions and their scale of application is restricted by the increased computational cost. This work proposes a modelling strategy which allows accurate full 3D simulation of URM under cyclic loading conditions with robustness and computational efficiency. A 3D quadratic mesoscale model is employed and a novel cyclic interface constitutive law is presented. The model is incorporated in a hierarchic partitioning framework which significantly reduces the computational cost broadening its applicability.

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