See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/347076241

Analysis of Strains in Brick Masonry Prism Using ABAQUS

Chapter · January 2021

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55115-5_79

CITATIONS READS

0 164

4 authors, including:

S. Saibabu
CSIR Structural Engineering Research Centre
18 PUBLICATIONS   81 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by S. Saibabu on 05 March 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

ANALYSIS OF STRAINS IN BRICK
MASONRY PRISM USING ABAQUS

Agnus A. Mathew1, S. Saibabu2, Vimal Mohan3, Deepa Varkey4

1
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering,
Kothamangalam, Kerala.
2
Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai.
3
Senior Scientist, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai.
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of
Engineering, Kothamangalam, Kerala.

Abstract In this study, the response of brick masonry specimen subjected to ver-
tical load is analytically calculated using existing formulas and numerically inves-
tigated using a popular software ABAQUS. The brick masonry specimen is a small
part of the old building which was constructed with brick masonry was taken as
analytical and numerical investigation purpose. It consists of three layers of brick
and two layers of mortar. The height, width and thickness of the specimen is 245
mm, 220 mm, and 100 mm respectively. Macro and micro model of the specimen
was developed using ABAQUS software. The material model used is elastic plastic
model C3D8R. Vertical load from 0 to 30.0kN at interval of 3.0kN was applied on
the specimen. It is very difficult to study the behaviour of brick and mortar together
and separately of brick masonry considering the effect of continuity of materials at
the joints between brick and mortar. To study the behaviour, macro and micro mod-
els are developed and tested upto design load. From the macro and micro models,
deflections and strains of brick and mortar upto design load were predicted and
these values were compared with analytical calculations. It was found from the in-
vestigation, that the increase in strains and deflections are almost proportional to the
applied loads.

Keywords: Brick masonry, macro and micro model, ABAQUS

2

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The masonry is one of the oldest and most widespread structural materials and is
still used for various construction purposes. The major constituents of masonry are
units and mortar and therefore classified as a heterogeneous anisotropic material
whose analysis, understanding and capture of the structural behaviour is complex.
The development of computer and the computer software made simpler to predict
the behavior of the structures. The selection of a mathematical model for simulation
is a very important step in any analysis. The FEM involves dividing a structure into
a discrete number of elements from which the approximate numerical solution is
obtained. Several researchers have reported valuable results on simulating masonry
wall behaviour using a simplified micro-model approach, finite element modelling
of structural clay brick masonry subjected to axial compression, stress-strain char-
acteristics of clay brick masonry under uniaxial compression [1-3]. Some scientists
have invested using equivalent elastic moduli for analysis of brick masonry struc-
tures and also using bond strength and compressive stress-strain characteristics of
brick masonry [4-5]. Similarly using finite element analysis many researchers also
studied [6-9] on behavior and strength assessment of masonry prisms, numerical sim-
ulation of masonry prism test using ANSYS and ABAQUS, numerical simulation
of masonry structures based on ANSYS contact analysis, a stress-strain model for
brick prism under uniaxial compression.

The numerical study is conducted using ABAQUS 6.14 which includes micro and
macro modeling approach. Finite Element Method (FEM) for masonry is mainly
depended on two modeling approaches namely micro and macro modeling. In
macro model the units and mortar are modelled as a single element in which the
combined or expanded properties of brick and mortar units are provided. In the mi-
cro model approach the units and mortar are modelled as continuum elements and
unit mortar interfaces are modelled as discontinuum elements. The numerical sim-
ulation is being used due to the difficulties in experimental study of existing ma-
sonry structures. Numerical simulation of the masonry structures will help in deter-
mining the weaker sections and to understand the stress strain distributions. When
the masonry is under compression, the masonry unit and the mortar will be under
multi-axial state of stress. Hence, the present investigation is an attempt to develop
a finite element model using Abaqus to predict the masonry prism compressive
strain and deflection subjected to concentric compressive loading. Distribution of
strain and deflection when the Young’s modulus of brick units greater than that of
mortar joints and when the Young’s modulus of brick units lesser than that of mortar
joints are also studied. The numerical values obtained from the finite element model
is validated by comparing with those obtained from the analytical results. The pre-
sent research included a numerical study on the behaviour of brick masonry triplex
prism under compressive loading which is small piece of building as shown in Fig.1.
 3

Fig. 1. Small section of old building taken for analysis

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF TRIPLEX

The three brick stack bonded clay brick masonry prism is considered to determine
the masonry strength. The clay brick masonry prism of size 220mm × 245mm ×
100mm is considered. The size of each masonry unit is 220 × 100 × 75mm. The size
of the each mortar joint is 220 × 100 × 75mm and it is shown in Fig. 2. The finite
element model was used to understand the results of the compression tests on ma-
sonry wall panel. Micro and macro modelling are done and the results are validated.

Fig. 2. Three stack brick masonry prism

2.1 Material Properties

ABAQUS has a set of material library in the engineering data section. Either we
can select a material from the library or we can manually enter the properties of
material in ABAQUS/CAE. The C3D8R element is used which requires linear iso-
tropic and multi-linear isotropic material properties to properly model brick ma-
sonry. The elastic properties for micro modelling are shown in the Table-1 and Ta-
ble-2.
4

Table 1 Material properties for type-1 micro modelling when Eb<Em

Modulus of elasticity(𝐸𝑏 ) of brick in MPa 3070

Poisson’s ratio(𝜇) of brick 0.20
Modulus of elasticity(𝐸𝑚 ) of mortar in MPa 5385
Poisson’s ratio(𝜇) of mortar 0.15

Table 2 Material properties for type-2 micro modelling when Eb>Em

Modulus of elasticity(𝐸𝑏 ) of brick in MPa 5385

Poisson’s ratio(𝜇) of brick 0.15
Modulus of elasticity(𝐸𝑚 ) of mortar in MPa 3070
Poisson’s ratio(𝜇) of mortar 0.20

3.0 THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS

Strain in the macro and micro model of triplex is found using the following equa-
tions for validation of results obtained from the ABAQUS models.
3.1 Macro Model

Macro-modelling is probably the most popular and common approach due to its
reduced calculation demands. On large structural members or full structures, a de-
tailed description of the interaction between units and mortar may not be necessary.
In these cases, macro-modeling is used which does not make any distinction be-
tween units and joints. The macro-modeling strategy regards the material as a ficti-
tious homogeneous orthotropic continuum and a pictorial representation is shown
in Fig.3.

Fig. 3. Macro model

In macro modelling the equation for the elastic properties of the equivalent ma-
terial is derived in terms of elastic properties of the brick and mortar, together with
the relative thickness. Uniform Building Code (UBC) recommends that the modulus
 5

elasticity of masonry (𝐸𝑚 ) in compression can be calculated using the following

equation:
1 + 𝛾𝑡
𝐸𝑚 = ( 𝛾 ) 𝐸𝑏 (1)
1+ 𝑡
𝛾𝑚
𝑡𝑗
where, 𝛾𝑡 =
𝑡𝑏
𝐸𝑗
𝛾𝑚 =
𝐸𝑏
𝑡𝑗 = thickness of mortar = 10mmm
𝑡𝑏 = thickness of masonry = 75mm
𝐸𝑗 = modulus of elasticity of mortar joints = 5385MPa
𝐸𝑏 = modulus of elasticity of bricks = 3070MPa
𝐸𝑚 = Equivalent modulus of elasticity of masonry = 5113MPa

The stress in the brick masonry of macro model triplex (fma) subjected to vertical
load is given by equation (2).
𝑃
fma= (2)
𝐴𝑝
where,
P = pressure loading in MPa
𝐴𝑝 = area of cross section of brick prism = 22000mm²

In macro modeling the deflection is calculated theoretically using the Eq. 3.

𝑃𝑑𝑝
𝛿= (3)
𝐴×𝐸
where,
𝑑𝑝 = depth of triplex prism

3.2 Micro Model

The so-called detailed micro-models describe the units and the mortar at joints
using continuum finite elements whereas the unit-mortar interface is represented by
discontinuous elements accounting for potential crack or slip planes. Detailed mi-
cro-modeling is probably the more accurate tool available to simulate the real be-
havior of masonry as in Fig. 4. It is particularly adequate to describe the local re-
sponse of the material. Elastic and inelastic properties of both unit and mortar can
be realistically taken into account. The micro-modeling approaches are suitable for
small structural elements with particular interest in strongly heterogeneous states of
stress and strain.
6

Fig. 4. Detailed Micro-model

For Type-1 and Type-2 micro models, the analytical strain in brick (𝜖b) and
strain in the mortar (𝜖m) of the triplex was calculated separately and it is explained
from Eq. 5 to 11.
𝛽×𝑝
𝜖= (5)
𝐸𝑚
𝐸𝑏
𝛽1 = = 0.57 (6)
𝐸𝑗
𝐸𝑗
𝛽2 = =1.75 (7)
𝐸𝑏

Type-1 When 𝑬𝒃 <𝑬𝒎

𝐸𝑏 = 3070MPa
𝐸𝑗 = 5385MPa
𝛽2 ×𝑃
𝜖b = (8)
𝐸𝑚
𝛽1 ×𝑃
𝜖m = (9)
𝐸𝑚

Type-2 When 𝑬𝒃 >𝑬𝒋

𝐸𝑏 = 5385MPa
𝐸𝑗 = 3070MPa
𝑃
𝜖b = (10)
𝐸𝑚
𝛽2 ×𝑃
𝜖m = (11)
𝐸𝑚

3.3 Abaqus Modeling

ABAQUS 6.14 was selected for the simulation of brick masonry prism since its
interface is very easy to use and supports parametric modelling
3.4 Element Types

Element type used for brick units and mortar in this study is continuum element in
three dimension with eight nodes and reduced integration (C3D8R) which is an 8
node linear brick element with hour glass control which gives more stable results is
 7

shown in Fig.5. In order to develop brick units and mortar units, 8- node continuum
solid element was utilized. The element is having has eight nodes with three degrees
of freedom at each node. For uniform distribution of load on top of the prism a steel
plate is provided.

Fig. 5. C3D8R element

3.5 Loading and Boundary Conditions

Vertical load varied from 0 to 30.0 kN at interval of 3.0 kN was applied on the
specimen to predict linear elastic stresses. Uniform pressure loading is provided on
the top. For that a steel plate is provided on the top. The boundary condition is such
that the bottom of the prism is fixed is depicted in Fig.6.

Fig. 6. Loading and boundary conditions

3.6 Interface Between Brick Units and Mortar Units

The cohesive interaction is provided between the brick and mortar layers and
defined as a function of displacement separation between the edges of potential
cracks. Furthermore, Coulomb frictional contact behaviour was applied to the cur-
rent models by introducing a coefficient of friction which prevents component’s
penetration after forming the contact especially for the normal behaviour of con-
tacts. For this study, surface-to-surface contact was chosen and the contacting prop-
erties for the tangential and normal behaviour were specified. This type of contact
is generally used to describe the behaviour of two deformable surfaces connecting
together. In the interaction properties the coefficient of friction is given as 0.7.
8

4.0 CONTOUR PLOTS

The contour plots gives the variation in stress, strains, deflections and other pa-
rameters with respect to the loading and material properties. The stress concentrated
areas, regions with more compressive strength, regions with more tensile strength
etc. can be identified with the help of contour plots.
4.1 Stress , Strains and Deflection contours of Macro Model

The variation of stress, strains and deflection in the macro model of the masonry
prism under vertical compressive loading is shown from Fig.7 to Fig.9.

Fig.7. Stress contour of macro model

Fig 8. Strain cont our of macro model

 9

Fig 9. Def lection cont our of macro model

4.2.1 Stress, Strain and Deflection contours of Type-1 Micro Model

The modulus of elasticity values affects the distribution of stress
and strains in the brick units and mortar layer. The change in the stress,
strain and deflection values due to the effect of Young’s modulus when
𝐸𝑏 < 𝐸𝑚 in micro model is shown from Fig .10 to Fig.12.

Fig. 10 Stress contours of type-1 micro model

10

Fig. 11 Strain contours of type-1 micro model

Fig. 12 Deflection contours of type-1 micro model

4.2.2 Stress, Strain and Deflection contours of type-2 Micro Model

The change in the stress, strain and deflection values due to the ef-
fect of Young’s modulus when 𝐸𝑏 > 𝐸𝑚 in micro model is shown from
Fig.13 to Fig.15.
 11

Fig. 13 Stress contours of type-2 micro model

Fig. 14. Strain contours of type-2 micro model

12

Fig. 14. Def lection contours of type-2 micro model

5.0 COMPARISION OF RESULTS

The graph showing the plot between calculated values and numerical results for
strain and deflection from the macro model of specimen is given in Fig. 15 and Fig.
16.

Comparision of strains in Macro Model

1.6
1.4
Applied stress (MPa)

1.2
1
0.8
0.6 Numerical Strain
0.4
Analytical Strain
0.2
0
0.00E+00 2.00E-04 4.00E-04 6.00E-04
Strain in brick masonary
Fig. 15. Comparison of strains - macro model
 13

Load vs Deflection in macro model

35
30
25
Load (kN)

20
Load vs deflection
15 (numerical)
10 Load vs deflection
5 (analytical)
0
0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125
Deflection (mm)
Fig. 16. Comparison of deflection - macro model

The stain values of mortar and brick against applied stress for type-1 micro model,
which are obtained from the analytically and numerically analysis are presented
from Fig. 17 to 20

1.6
Analytical analysis (Eb<Em)
1.4
1.2
Applied stress

1
0.8
0.6
Applied stress vs strain in brick
0.4
0.2 Applied stress vs strain in mortar
0
0.00E+00 2.00E-04 4.00E-04 6.00E-04
Strain in brick & mortar
Fig. 17. Comparison of analytical strain data of type-1 micro model
14

Numerical analysis (Eb<Em)

1.6
1.4
Applied stress (MPa)

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4 Applied stress vs strain in brick
0.2 Applied stress vs strain in mortar
0
0.00E+00 2.00E-04 4.00E-04 6.00E-04
Strain in brick & mortar

Fig. 18. Comparison of numerical strain data of type-1 micro model

Analytical analysis (Eb>Em)

1.6
1.4
1.2
Applied stress (MPa)

1
0.8
0.6
0.4 Applied stress vs strain in brick
0.2 Applied stress vs strain in mortar
0
0.00E+00 2.00E-04 4.00E-04 6.00E-04
Strain in brick & mortar

Fig. 19. Comparison of analytical strain data of type-2 micro model

 15

Numerical analysis (Eb>Em)

1.6
1.4
Applied stress (MPa)

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
Applied stress vs strain in brick
0.4
0.2 Applied stress vs strain in mortar
0
0.00E+00 2.00E-04 4.00E-04 6.00E-04
Strain in brick & mortar
Fig. 20. Comparison of numerical strain data of type-2 micro model

Comparison of strain in mortar and brick when Eb<Em and Eb>Em was made and
it is shown in the bar charts of Fig. 21 and Fig.22 respectively.

Strain in mortar
5.00E-04

4.00E-04

3.00E-04

2.00E-04

1.00E-04

0.00E+00
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Eb < Em Eb > Em

Fig. 21. Comparison of strain in mortar when Eb<Em and Eb>Em

16

Strain in brick
5.00E-04

4.00E-04

3.00E-04

2.00E-04

1.00E-04

0.00E+00
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Eb < Em Eb > Em

Fig. 22. Comparison of strain in brick when Eb<Em and Eb>Em

6.0 CONCLUSIONS

Linear FE analyses of the brick masonry triplex under simple vertical load was car-
ried out and compared the results obtained from the macro and micro models with
the theoretical predictions for validation. The results show that the FE analysis are
in very good agreement with those of the theoretical predictions. The FE analyses
of micro model predicted strains correctly compared with macro model. The strain
value varies linearly with increase in stress. From this investigation it is found that
the strain values of brick and mortar are depended on strength of modulus of elas-
ticity of the material.

Acknowledgments
This paper is published with the permission of the Director, CSIR-Structural En-
gineering Research Centre, Chennai, India
 17

REFERENCES

[1] Abdulla, K. F., Cunningham, L. S., & Gillie, M. (2017). Simulating ma-
sonry wall behaviour using a simplified micro-model approach. Engineering
Structures, 151, 349-365.

[2] Bakhteri, J., Makhtar, A. M., & Sambasivam, S. (2004). Finite element
modelling of structural clay brick masonry subjected to axial compres-
sion. Jurnal Teknologi, 41(1), 57-68.

[3] Kaushik, H. B., Rai, D. C., & Jain, S. K. (2007). Stress-strain character-
istics of clay brick masonry under uniaxial compression. Journal of materials
in Civil Engineering, 19(9), 728-739.

[4] Pande, G. N., Liang, J. X., & Middleton, J. (1989). Equivalent elastic
moduli for brick masonry. Computers and Geotechnics, 8(3), 243-265.

[5]Singh, S. B., & Munjal, P. (2017). Bond strength and compressive stress-
strain characteristics of brick masonry. Journal of Building Engineering, 9,
10-16

[6] Thaickavil, N. N., & Thomas, J. (2018). Behaviour and strength assess-
ment of masonry prisms. Case studies in construction materials, 8, 23-38.

[7]Vindhyashree, H. S., Rahamath, A., Kumar, W. P., & Kumar, M. T. (2015).

Numerical simulation of masonry prism test using ANSYS and
ABAQUS. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technol-
ogy, 4(7), 1019-1027.

[8]Wang, J. (2014). Numerical Simulation of Masonry Structures Based on

ANSYS Contact Analysis. Industrial Technology Innovation, (1), 19.

[9] Yang, K. H., Lee, Y., & Hwang, Y. H. (2019). A Stress-Strain Model for
Brick Prism under Uniaxial Compression. Advances in Civil Engineer-
ing, 2019.

View publication stats