Numerical simulations of flat-jack test setups for the local shear characterisation of masonry panels
by Luca Gambirasio; Giulio Mirabella Roberti; Egidio Rizzi
International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (IJMRI), Vol. 1, No. 4, 2016

Abstract: The present numerical investigation concerns the characterisation of local in-plane shear strength and failure of masonry panels. A testing geometry has been conceived at design stage so as to experiment the non-linear shear response of masonry wall specimens at the laboratory scale by using pressure-controlled shear flat-jack testing. Before implementing real experimental tests, advanced finite element method (FEM) simulations have been devised and carried out here (with the LS-DYNA code), with the aim of assessing and optimising the conceived experimental test geometry and the shear flat-jack configuration. Both bricks and mortar are appropriately modelled through the Karagozian & Case (K&C) damage plasticity model. Two different shear flat-jack setups, placed in couples within through-thickness vertical wall cuts, are analysed, in order to enquire the local shear response and damage field arising in the centre of the wall panel. Numerical outcomes show that the shear flat-jack configurations look reasonably well set and put forward first benchmark results useful for further setup optimisation and for possible later comparison to real future experimental outcomes, in view of a qualitative and quantitative interpretation and consistent identification of local shear structural properties and response of masonry panels. The proposed configuration indeed allows to ingenerate a shear stress state concentrated in the central part of the panel, ultimately leading to extensive localised damage and failure. The resulting damage field predicts mortar fracture in the middle of the masonry wall.

Online publication date: Sun, 01-Jan-2017

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (IJMRI):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com