Numerical derivation of homogenised constitutive relation for masonry wall made of mortar-less interlocking bricks

Abstract

To improve the modelling and the computation efficiency, homogenisation techniques have been applied to conventional masonry structures composed of brick units and mortar. However, for dry-stacking interlocking brick structure, which is gaining growing attention due to its advantages, no derivation of its homogenisation mechanical properties is yet available, thus the design analysis of interlocking brick structure is still complex. In this paper, a representative volume element (RVE) is extracted from interlocking brick walls on the basis of periodic construction patterns. Detailed numerical modelling of the RVE and simulations are carried out considering the nonlinear material properties and different stress states. The equivalent material properties of the RVE are derived from the numerical simulation results. Compressive and tensile damage scalars according to the theory of continuum damage mechanics are used to analyse the hardening behaviour, the softening behaviour, and the failure of the RVE. To verify the obtained equivalent material properties, interlocking brick walls modelled with the RVE element and the homogenised material properties subjected to the uniaxial compressive loading and the combined compression-shear loading are analysed. The results are compared with those obtained from the detailed modelling of the interlocking brick wall. The accuracy and the efficiency of using the derived equivalent material properties in modelling the interlocking brick wall are demonstrated.