This paper describes the development of a computational model for masonry that will be used to
study different strengthening systems for single leaf brick wall panels containing openings. As many
of the brickwork walls in need of strengthening were constructed of low strength materials or they
have deteriorated with time, cracking tends to be along the brick/mortar interfaces and failure usually
results from de-bonding of the bricks. As a result the authors decided to use a computational model
based on the Distinct Element Method which was developed by Cundall [1] in 1971. The method was
developed for commercial use by Cundall and Itasca Limited [2] for 2-dimensional structures in the
form of the software UDEC (Universal Distinct Elements Code). Initially DEM was applied to rock
engineering projects where continuity between the separate blocks of rock did not exist. More recently
it has been used to model masonry structures [3, 4 and 5] in which the failure mechanism is governed
primarily by the masonry unit/mortar interface characteristics.
The Structural Engineer (thestructuralengineer.info) uses third party cookies to improve our website and your experience when using it. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them visit our Cookies page. Allow cookies
