Characterization of the uniaxial compression behaviour of unreinforced masonry - sensitivity analysis based on a numerical and experimental approach

Experimental testing of masonry is a difficult, expensive and time consuming process, involving the use of large facilities and a significant number of samples to achieve representative results. On the contrary, computer simulations are practical tools that avoid most of the previous disadvantages. However, such tools are based on experimental evidences and demand experimental results to be validated. These aspects motivated the development of strategies based on numerical models and experimental tests. However, numerical sensitivity analyses based on this approach to predict the behaviour of masonry are not easily found or developed. The main objective of this work is to perform a sensitivity analysis by using computer simulations of laboratory tests to predict the compressive behaviour of unreinforced concrete masonry made from materials with different mechanical properties and geometrical layouts. A three dimensional micro-modelling with continuous finite elements and an elastic–plastic damage constitutive model were used to simulate the masonry behaviour. This numerical model was previously calibrated and validated through experimental data obtained from a small number of laboratory tests. The results obtained showed accuracy and a good agreement with the known aspects of the compressive behaviour of masonry, demonstrating the ability to perform numerical sensitivity analyses with few laboratory resources.