Finite element analysis of masonry under a plane stress state

In this paper, a material model for masonry under a plane stress state and subjected to quasi-static monotonous loading is presented along with the implementation of the model in the nonlinear finite element method. Using macro modelling, a masonry element consisting of bricks and joints is assumed. Taking into account the compatibility and equilibrium conditions, constitutive laws are formulated, which describe the nonlinear and anisotropic properties of masonry based on consistent mechanical correlations. By introducing an additional local model, influences due to discontinuities can be taken into account in a continuum-mechanics approach. The developed constitutive laws are presented, the numerical implementation within the NLFE method is illustrated, and NLFE analyses of the load–deformation behaviour of experimentally investigated shear walls with various material combinations and kinematic, static, and geometric boundary conditions are carried out. © 2020 The Authors ISSN:0141-0296