A new modeling approach in the pushover analysis of masonry structures

Abstract

In this study, the pertinency of different numerical techniques for the analysis of masonrystructures is investigated on a full-scale masonry specimen. Two approaches are taken intoaccount. Namely, the nonlinear FEM modeling strategy, based on the concepts of idealizedbilinear material behavior and line elements connected by special joints, is used in the versionimplemented in the commercial software 3Muri[2]. The second method is developed withprogramme SAP2000 which offers wide possibilities in finite element method models. Usingspecific modeling tools of SAP2000 is intended to simulate nonlinear behavior of masonry andglobal response of the structure.An overview of such numerical methods, as well as a brief description of their specifictheoretical aspects, is provided in order to allow easy comparison. A simple 2 story structure ismodelled in both SAP2000 and 3Muri software. The key is the modeling with plane elements thathave different characteristics in horizontal, vertical, and shear behaviour. Using this method isperformed a pushover analysis and the results are compared to 3Muri software results. It is shownthat the results prove a reliable modeling strategy by giving very similar output results. Havinginto consideration the fact that 3Muri software has been calibrated with experimental tests, themodeling approach with SAP2000 offers a satisfactory solution for masonry.