Abstract
The lack of experimental data for the complete characterisation of the inelastic behaviour of masonry is a key issue in numerical modelling of masonry structures. A solution to obtain the material properties of masonry at the macro-level is to derive them on the basis of the geometrical and material properties of the underlying constituents, namely unit and mortar (micro-level). An interface model for the joints and cracks in the units, which includes a tension cut-off and the Coulomb friction law with variable dilatancy, is used to show that the macro-behaviour of masonry under tension parallel to the bed joints can be effectively predicted. The obtained stress/displacement response measures the fracture energy of masonry (that is the area under the curve, including the descending branch) and can be used as a material property for macro-models, where a relation is established between average masonry stresses and average masonry strains. 22 refs.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 96-103 |
Journal | Masonry International |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 1999 |