Numerical simulation of adobe wallettes under compression and diagonal tension with and without reinforcement of spaced Guadua angustifolia Kunth strips

Based on results of compression and diagonal tension experimental tests of unreinforced adobe (raw earth units) wallettes and those reinforced with strips of Guadua angustifolia Kunth, a numerical simulation was carried out through the finite element method, FEM, using the microplane damage model. Analysis varying the reinforcement inclinations of the Guadua strips leads to the fact that the optimal configuration depends on construction criteria, as any reinforcement pattern improves the mechanical performance of an unreinforced wallette under the evaluated load conditions. In terms of construction effectiveness, the 90° configuration stands out as the most suitable.