Dynamics of frp strengthened unidirectional masonry walls I: A multilayered finite element

Abstract

The dynamic response of unidirectional FRP strengthened masonry walls is investigated. The examined walls are strengthened using externally bonded composite materials. In this part of the paper, a nonlinear multilayered finite element for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the unidirectional strengthened wall is developed. The formulation reduces the general 2D problem to a 1D form using high order kinematic assumptions that are based on the static deformation fields in the various components. The model aims to face the challenges associated with the combination of length scales, differences in elastic properties, irregular points, cracking, crushing, and inelastic behavior of the masonry substrate. The geometrical nonlinearity, the layered configuration, and the variation of the stresses through the depth the adhesive layers are also addressed. A numerical study that examines the capabilities of the model and its convergence with refinement of the spatial and temporal meshes is presented. Emphasis is placed on the global nonlinear dynamic response, the local effects near the joints, the interfacial stresses, and their temporal variation under dynamic loads. © 2012 by Mathematical Sciences Publishers.