Modeling of lintel-masonry interaction using COMSOL

Usually, when using Finite Element Models, structures are subdivided into elements and uniform properties are assigned to each material. However, in masonry, like in many other materials, properties vary over the volume of the structure. Therefore an attempt was made, as described in this paper, to assign material properties like shear strength and modulus of elasticity randomly. In this way, the behaviour of a masonry wall with a prefabricated concrete lintel was experimentally tested and simulated using COMSOL. The paper confirms the possible use of COMSOL for modelling lintel-masonry interaction, including variation of mechanical properties over the volume of the specimen. It shows the relatively small effect of variation of the E-modulus on the load distribution and the relatively large effect of shear strength on the failure load.