Dry-Stack Masonry Wall Modeling Using Finite-Element Method

Masonry has been used throughout the world and in heritage and historical structures. For this study, two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear finite-element models based on a micromodeling approach were constructed in order to model deformation characteristics of historical stone masonry shear walls subject to combined axial compression and lateral loading. For calibration and validation of the numerical models, previous experimental tests results were considered. To assess critical parameter effects on the behavior of the walls, sensitivity analysis on the calibrated model was conducted. To obtain the overall energy absorption capability of the walls, the loading protocol, and load-displacement hysteresis curves, cyclic analysis of the calibrated model for the dry-stack mortarless sawn stone masonry walls was performed. Numerical analysis results were then compared with experimental test results with general agreement found.