Numerical simulation of interaction properties at wall-to-tie-column interface for confined masonry walls

Abstract

The confined masonry (CM) structure consists of load bearing walls strengthened with nominally reinforced concrete tie-elements at the perimeter and other key locations. Various simulation studies using finite element analysis have been performed on CM walls for a better understanding of their response under in-plane and out-of-plane loads. However, for a reliable simulation of response, it is important to define the realistic interaction properties at the wall-to-tie-column interface for CM walls. The current method of defining the wall-to-tie column interaction for numerical simulation is either using monolithic interaction or frictional contact. This simplified assumption results in stiffer or flexible response of the CM walls. Thus, in the present study, the wall-to-tie-column interaction properties were evaluated using experimental and analytical investigation. Initially, flexure (tension) and shear bond tests were conducted on sub-assemblages consisting of masonry and concrete. The tensile and shear bond properties obtained from the experiments were used to calibrate the cohesive and friction interaction properties for numerical analysis. The proposed interaction properties such as bond stiffness, damage initiation, and damage evoluation provided better simulation of in-plane response of CM walls.