NONLINEAR FINITE-ELEMENT MODEL OF HOLLOW MASONRY

A nonlinear elastoplastic finite-element (FE) model for face-shell-bed ded hollow masonry using isoparametric shell elements has been develop ed. The nonlinear behavior of the masonry in compression due to progre ssive cracking, and geometric and material nonlinearities is considere d in the model. Details of the elastoplastic constitutive model and fa ilure criteria for both blocks and mortar joints are presented. Result s from a simulated test of a three-block-high prism are given in the f orm of stress, strain, and displacement plots. The behavior of the mod el is compared to known experimental behavior. The methodology, when c ombined with the substructuring technique, will allow analysis of subs tantially larger walls than would the more typical full three-dimensio nal (3D) analysis.