Derivation of 3D masonry properties using numerical homogenization technique

Lots of research work has been conducted on homogenization technique, which derives global homogenized properties of masonry from the behaviour of the constitutive materials (brick and mortar). Such a technique mainly focused on two-dimensional media in the previous studies with the out-of-plane properties of masonry material neglected. In this paper, homogenization technique and damage mechanics theory are used to model a three-dimensional masonry basic cell to numerically derive the equivalent elastic properties, strength envelope, and failure characteristics of masonry material. The basic cell is modelled with distinctive consideration of non-linear material properties of mortar and brick. Various displacement boundaries are applied on the basic cell surfaces in the numerical simulation. The detailed material properties of mortar and brick are modelled in a finite element program in the numerical analysis. The stress-strain relations of masonry material under various conditions are obtained from the simulation. The homogenized elastic properties and failure characteristics of masonry material are derived from the simulation results. The homogenized 3D model is then utilized to analyse the response of a masonry panel to airblast loads. The same panel is also analysed with distinctive material modelling. The efficiency and accuracy of the homogenized model are demonstrated. The homogenized material properties and failure model can be used to model large-scale masonry structure response. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.