Failure Analysis of Masonry Walls in 2D and 3D Subjected to Combined Compression and Shear Loading

Analyzing the failure mechanism of masonry structures is a complex task, given their heterogeneity and anisotropy. In this respect, developing a numerical model (NM) to simulate and analyze the failure process of masonry walls subjected to combined loading is crucial. The present study proposes an efficient numerical model of a 3D and 2D masonry wall using the commercial software ANSYS by two techniques: Simplified Micro-Modeling (SM-M) and Macro-Modeling (M-M). This model is based on the criteria implemented in ANSYS commercial software, namely the Concrete Model (CM), the Drucker-Prager Model (D-PM), and the Cohesive Zone Model (CZM). The Concrete Model simulates the failure of brittle structures in all three spatial directions. In contrast, combining (CM) and (D-PM) provides a better simulation of the failure mode of quasi-fragile structures. However, (CZM) simulates the debonding of interface joints between masonry elements. These approaches are used to predict the failure mechanism, deformation, and displacements of the wall. Numerical tests were performed on a Representative Volume Element (RVE) to determine the mechanical properties of the homogenized masonry wall. The numerical results agree with the experimental ones reported in the literature. The numerical model developed enables the structural behavior, process, and mechanism of a 3D and 2D masonry wall to be predicted accurately and in a reduced calculation time. The results showed that cracks and fractures develop at horizontal and vertical mortar joints. The 3D masonry wall model developed, and a 2D model proposed in this study was compared. It was found that the 3D masonry wall developed enables better localization of weakness zones in the wall under compression and shear loads than the 2D model. The proposed 3D numerical model has higher accuracy than the 2D model. On the other hand, the 2D simulation model considerably minimizes calculation costs.