3D Continuous Micro-Model Based on Multi-laminate Concept for the Nonlinear Numerical Analysis of Masonry Panels

This paper presents a continuous micro model for the prediction of the behavior of a masonry structure. A model based on multi-laminate theory is developed to model the fracture in unreinforced masonry. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a constitutive model for practical applications which has few and easily measurable parameters and is capable of reproducing advanced features of the behavior of masonry brickworks such as cohesive-frictional response (strength dependence on confinement), dilatancy, and dilatancy control with confinement, anisotropy (inherent and induced which is caused by cracking formation), hardening-softening and different levels of brittle behaviors. The yield surface used in this model consists of a generalized Mohr-Coulomb yield surface together with a cut-off tensile. This can address both pre and post-peak behaviors. The capability of this model is confirmed for simulating the masonry behavior under lateral loading by comparing the numerical simulation results with experimental data in the literature.