A Proposal for a Simplified Mesoscale Simulation Model of a Reinforced Concrete Frame with and without Masonry Infill

Abstract This article proposes a simplified micro-modeling of masonry infill walls, as well as a method for modeling reinforced concrete frames without infill. This model uses the Drucker-Prager criterion to simulate the non-linear compression behavior of bricks. And for the frame elements, the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model was used. This numerical modeling strategy is characterized by the absence of discrete elements either at the portal frame level, or at the masonry unit level, the latter often used to simulate the onset of damage in areas susceptible to plasticization. This model was checked against experimental results and analytical solutions. Subsequently, the use of the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model to simulate the non-linear behavior of bricks demonstrated the model’s ability to simulate and reproduce experimental damage.