Finite element modelling of deformation characteristics of historical stone masonry shear walls

Two dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis based on experimental test data has been carried out to model deformation characteristics, such as load-displacement envelope diagrams and failure modes of historical stone masonry shear walls subjected to combined axial compression and lateral shear loading. An experimental research work was carried out on three different types of historical stone masonry shear walls that can be considered representative of ancient stone masonry constructions. Those three types of masonry are: i) sawn dry-stack or dry-stone masonry without bonding mortar, ii) irregular stone masonry with bonding mortar, and iii) rubble masonry with irregular bonding mortar thickness. Plasticity theory based micro modelling techniques has been used to carry out the analysis. The stone units were modelled using an eight node continuum plane stress elements with full Gauss integration. The joints and unit-joint interfaces were modelled using a six node zero thickness line interface elements with Lobatto integration. This paper outlines the experimental research work, details of numerical modelling carried out and report the numerical lateral load-displacement diagrams and failure modes. The numerical analysis results were compared with the experimental test results and good agreement was found.The Authors would like to acknowledge Dr. D.V. Oliveira and Dr. G. Vasconcelos, Assistant Professors in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Minho for their assistance during the present modelling work. The first author, R. Senthivel would like to acknowledge the Portuguese National Science and Technology Foundation (FCT), Lisbon for their financial support (Ref. No.: SFRHJ BPD/20924/2004) to carry out his Post-Doctoral Research in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Minho, Portugal