Abstract
A Finite Element (FE) based macro–element is described for the mechanical response of masonry structures within different ranges of analysis. The macro–element is composed of discrete rigid quadrilateral FE plates whose adjoining interfaces are connected through FE trusses. It allows representing both elasticity and strength orthotropy, full material nonlinearity and damage through a scalar–based model. The possibility of coupling with a so–called FE2 (multi–scale) strategy is also addressed. Validation of the macro–element is conducted within linear static, vibration, and cyclic (nonlinear) problems, in which both static and dynamic ranges are explored. Results are compared with those retrieved from traditional FE continuous models. Advantages are highlighted, as well as its robustness to cope with convergence issues and suitability to be applied within more general and larger–scale scenarios, such as the analysis of anisotropic materials subjected to static and dynamic loading. Formal details are given for its reproducibility by academics and practitioners—eventually within other FE platforms—as the improved running times may be of utmost importance in dynamic problems or highly nonlinear (material) quasi–static analysis.
Highlights
Masonry is a phenomenological complex material due to the elastic and strength anisotropies, its well–marked nonlinear response in tension, compression, and shear regimes [1], and due to the potential damage–induced anisotropy
Experimentation reveals the difficulty of predicting the mechanical response of masonry [2]
Such difficulties are consistent with the substantial number of works developed during the last decades aiming the assessment of masonry structures
Summary
Featured Application: The macro–element formulated in the study can be implemented in any FE–based software for the static (quasi–) and dynamic analysis of masonry structures.
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