Numerical modeling of a new reinforced masonry system subjected to in-plane cyclic loading

Abstract

This paper describes the behavior of walls under in-plane cyclic shear compression of a new reinforced masonry system composed of horizontal and vertical reinforcements based on Iran's national building regulation codes in two groups. In the first group, grid-type steel bars were mounted on the cement core between solid clay bricks (double-wythe); in the second group, common grid-type steel bars were mounted on perforated bricks and trusses as horizontal reinforcements using advanced numerical simulation (LS-DYNA). A nonlinear finite element discrete modeling according to stressstrain models was applied to represent the previously modeled masonry walls. Masonry units included perforated bricks and solid clay bricks, and the mortar and bonding interfaces were shown as continuum elements. In order to validate the micro-modeling strategy, the input data were based on a reinforced masonry wall previously tested in the laboratory with clear identification and justification. Accordingly, the main objective of this paper is to (a) examine results of specimens in terms of maximum strength, ductility, energy absorption, and failure modes, (b) investigate the effect of aspect ratio and reinforcement type, and (c) compare the modeled walls with other reinforced systems.