Materials Today: Proceedings 62 (2022) 1564–1569

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Parametric study on laterite prism under uniaxial compression through

numerical modeling
Dhanalakshmi ⇑, Kiran Kamath, A. Krishnamoorthy
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The influence of parameters such as laterite elastic modulus, mortar elastic modulus, and mortar thick-
Available online 7 March 2022 ness on the stress–strain behaviour of laterite masonry prisms under in-plane compression loading is
numerically assessed in this work. As constitutive laws of laterite and mortar, the ‘‘concrete damage plas-
Keywords: ticity” model was adopted. The ‘cohesive surface-based’ behavior (interface elements) has been used for
Laterite prism the joint between laterite and mortar. The material properties of laterite and mortar required for the pre-
Mortar sent study are obtained experimentally. The numerical study was done using FEM-based software
Concrete damage plasticity
ABAQUS. The experimental data and literature were used to validate the numerical analysis. The analysis
Cohesive surface-based behavior
results show a reduction in the prism strength as the thickness of mortar increased and it shows that
elastic modulus of laterite has a direct impact on the compressive strength of laterite prism.
Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-
ence on Recent Advances in Modeling and Simulations Techniques in Engineering and Science.

1. Introduction a result, it becomes a rough substance. As a result, it’s always

Masonry is a structure made up of individual units that are
placed in and mortared together, and the term ‘‘masonry” can also
be considered the units themselves. The commonly used materials
in the masonry construction are brick, blocks of stone such as mar-
ble, granite, limestone, laterite stone, terracotta block (burnt class
hollow blocks) and concrete block (solid or hollow). The durability
of the complete masonry construction is majorly affected by the
quality of the mortar and workmanship, and the pattern units
are assembled in. In the present study, Laterite is used as a unit
and cement mortar is used as a joint. Many tropical regions use
of laterite stone masonry as one of the most common building
materials. It is a red or brown stone and is rich in iron and it is used
most of the parts of India like Karnataka and in Kerala, where it is
found abundantly. It’s the weathering result of certain silicate-
containing rocks like basalt, granite, and slates. The stone is easy
to quarry and dress, but it must be aired for a few days before
use to allow it to oxidise and solidify. Laterite stone that has just
been quarried is soft and porous. A dark crust forms if it is kept
exposed due to oxidation, which protects it from weathering. As
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: dhanalakshmi.mit@manipal.edu ( Dhanalakshmi).
preferable to have these stones quarried ahead of time (see Fig. 1).
Masonry wall is an assemblage of masonry unit and mortar.
Strength and stability of it depends upon the interaction between
these materials and other factors affecting the physical and
mechanical properties of the assemblage or composite. Hence it
is important to characterize the fundamental behaviour of
masonry. The stress strain behaviour of masonry can be obtained
using the masonry prism. In the following research the stress strain
behaviour of laterite masonry prism under uniaxial compression is
studied. Since the laterite masonry is a heterogeneous anisotropic
material, analysing, comprehending, and capturing the structural
behaviour of masonry is difficult. Different approaches have been
used in recent years to do numerical simulations of linear and
non-linear brickwork behaviour. When compared to experimental
results, the numerical technique estimates fairly good stress–strain
curves. In recent years, a variety of modeling methods have been
created, based on the amount of accuracy required and the
intended simplicity. In most studies, masonry has been defined
as an assemblage of bricks and mortar with average properties.
The impact of mortar joints functioning as weak planes has been
ignored in favour of isotropic elastic behaviour [17,18]. At low
stress levels, these assumptions were helpful in forecasting defor-
mations, but not at greater stress levels, where non-linear material
behaviour causes substantial stress redistribution and local failure.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.590
2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Recent Advances in Modeling and Simulations Techniques in
Engineering and Science.
Dhanalakshmi, K. Kamath and A. Krishnamoorthy
Fig. 1. Response of concrete to uniaxial loading in (a) tension (b) compression as per Abaqus manual [21].
A nonlinear finite element model for solid masonry that may
reproduce material non-linearity effects and progressive local fail-
ure is proposed by[1,2]. Local brick or joint failure has an effect that
is diffused throughout all or part of the corresponding finite ele-
ment. When local effects are essential, this approach allows for
quick study of huge panels, but it has limits. The two methodolo-
gies (Micro- and Macro-modeling) for the analysis of masonry
structures were recently discussed in detail by Lourenco and Rots
[3]. The modeling methodologies can be characterised as detailed
micro-modeling, simplified micro-modeling, and macro-
modeling, according to author [3–5]. Micro-modeling includes
the simulation of units, mortar, and the unit-mortar interface.
The simulation of units, mortar, and the unit-mortar interface are
all part of micro-modeling. It’s good for analysing the structural
behaviour of small masonry sections, but it takes a lot of CPU time
for models with a lot of elements. Because of the reduced compu-
tational burden, macro-modeling is now the dominant method.
There is no differentiation between units and joints in this scenar-
io, and masonry is treated as a continuous material. A variety of
research employing or implementing these various modeling
methodologies may be found in the literature. Conclusions about
the relative benefits of different models and algorithms should
be based on a direct comparison of the methods in the same situ-
ations. Depending on the type of problem and the degree of preci-
sion necessary against the preferred simplicity, the appropriate
model and method could be used to analyse the issue at hand.
The material properties and constitutive relationships of unit
and mortar are required for mathematical modelling of masonry
structures. As laterite and mortar are brittle materials it is not pos-
sible to predict their inelastic behaviour experimentally because of
the scarcity of controlled experimental tests and significant varia-
tion in material properties geographically. Hence using numerical
modeling, the inelastic behaviour of laterite and mortar are
obtained. This paper is aimed to study the behaviour of laterite
stone masonry using micro modeling approach using commercial
finite element code ABAQUS.
2. The finite element model
The material properties and constitutive relationships of the
unit and mortar are required for mathematical modelling of
masonry. As laterite and mortar are brittle materials it is not pos-
sible to predict their inelastic behaviour experimentally because of
the scarcity of controlled experimental tests and significant varia-
tion in material properties geographically. Hence using numerical
modeling, the inelastic behaviour of laterite and mortar are
obtained. This paper is aimed to study the behaviour of laterite
stone masonry using micro modeling approach using commercial
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Materials Today: Proceedings 62 (2022) 1564–1569
finite element software ABAQUS. A detailed description of material
model, geometric and micro modeling implemented in ABAQUS is
provided in following section.
2.1. Concrete damage plasticity model (CDP model)
The CDP model, which is accessible in Abaqus, is used to simu-
late the nonlinear response of the laterite and mortar. The CDP
model [16] has a capacity to simulate the concrete and other brittle
materials in different structures. To simulate the inelastic beha-
viour of concrete, isotropic damaged elasticity is combined with
isotropic tensile and compressive plasticity is used. This model
[6–8] addresses the degradation of the material stiffness and irre-
versible deformations since both contribute to the nonlinear
response.
Where,
rto = Failure stress under tension rco = Failure stress under
compression.
Ɛel el
t = Elastic strain under tension Ɛc = Elastic strain under
compression.
dt = Damage variable under tension dc = Damage variable under
compression.
Ɛel
p = Equivalent Plastic strain under tension/compression.
E0 = The initial (undamaged) elastic stiffness of the material.
2.2. Micro modeling
As it is difficult to carry out large number of full-scale tests on
masonry wall because of its complexity in deriving conclusive
results, FEM has been carried out by micro modeling approach
depending on the scale of the investigation. Laterite and mortar
both have been modeled in ABAQUS using C3D8R eight noded hex-
ahedral element. The joint interface between the brick and the
mortar is defined using ‘cohesive surface-based’ behaviour. As
laterite and mortar are brittle in nature ‘‘concrete damage plastic-
ity model” [22] has been used to simulate their behavior. Hard con-
tact between adjacent masonry is defined using contact pressure
over closure relationship. ABAQUS standard/explicit is used to cre-
ate the model. Mesh sizes was determined after conducting mesh
size analysis study.
2.3. Mechanical parameter
Mechanical properties that were employed in the micro-
modeling analysis are summarized in Tables 1–3. Parameters K (ra-
tio of second stress variant on the tensile meridian to that on the
compressive meridian), rb0/rc0(ratio of initial equibiaxial com-
pressive yield stress to initial uniaxial compressive yield surface)
and e (flow potential eccentricity) were assumed as suggested in
Dhanalakshmi, K. Kamath and A. Krishnamoorthy Materials Today: Proceedings 62 (2022) 1564–1569

Table 1 using contact pressure over closure relationship. Model is created

Mechanical characteristics of Laterite and Mortar. in ABAQUS standard/explicit. Mesh sizes was determined after
Category Parameters Value conducting mesh size analysis study.
Laterite Compressive strength (MPa) Varies 2–4.5
Poisson’s ratio 0.15 3.1. Mesh sensitivity
Elastic modulus (MPa) Varies 500–2000
Mortar (1:6) Compressive strength (MPa) Varies 3–8 Mesh sensitivity study done to select the size of the element.
Poisson’s ratio 0.2 The laterite prism having three laterite of size
Elastic modulus (MPa) Varies 500–3000
Thickness (mm) 10
330 mm  220 mm  170 mm and 10 mm thick of cement mortar
is used for the study. The mesh size varying from 5 mm to 50 mm is
analysed and it is observed in Fig. 2. The mesh size 25 mm, 30 mm
and 35 mm have similar response compared to the other mesh
Table 2
Concrete damage plasticity responses. Hence 30 mm mesh size is selected for the further
material property [11,12]. analysis.
Parameters Value
3.2. Parametric study
Dilation Angle 10
Eccentricity 0.1
r b0/rc0 1.16 In order to comprehend the impact of many variables on laterite
Viscosity 0.002 prism strength, the FEM analysis were done by varying different
parameters. During the analysis the other parameters are kept con-
stant when one of the influencing parameters varied. The details of
Table 3 the parameters are listed below.
Interface property of joint [5,11,12].

Parameters Value 3.2.1. Elastic modulus of laterite

Tangential Behavior Frictional coefficient 0.7
Maximum Nominal Stress in Normal Direction 61,100 N/m2
Maximum Nominal Stress in Shear Direction -I 93,350 N/m2
Maximum Nominal Stress in Shear Direction -II 93,350 N/m2
Exponential Parameter 10
Viscosity 0.002
the [21] for quasi- brittle materials. Based on the experimental
work of [19], the dilation angle was taken equal to 10°. The basic
material properties of laterite and mortar like compressive
strength, young’s modulus is obtained experimentally. Knowing
the compressive strength and elastic modulus of laterite [3] and
mortar [20] and based on [15], the inelastic compressive behavior
was estimated using Kent and park model. The laterite behaviour
varies from place to place hence 4 different samples collected
and tested for compressive strength as per IS 3620-1979 and IS
1121(Part 1)-1974. As per the experimental results and literature
it is observed that the compressive strength of laterite varies in
the range of 2 to 5 MPa. The mortrar which is used for the laterite
masonry is 1:6 in ratio, 43 grade ordinary Portland cement and
natural river sand is used and compressive strength of mortar cube
of size 70 mm as per IS 2250-1981 and it is found to be 4 MPa.
From the literature it is observed that the mortar of 1:6 ratio
cement mortar properties vary a lot, and its variations in the range
of 3 to 8 MPa and same listed below.
3. FEM analysis of laterite masonry prism
As it is difficult to perform large number of full-scale tests on
masonry wall because of its complexity in deriving conclusive
results, FEM has been carried out by micro modeling approach
depending on the scale of the investigation. Laterite and mortar
both have been modeled in ABAQUS[27] using C3D8R eight node
hexahedral element. The joint interface between the brick and
the mortar is defined using ‘cohesive surface-based’ behavior. As
laterite and mortar are brittle in nature ‘‘concrete damage plastic-
ity model” [13] has been used to simulate their behavior. Knowing
the compressive strength, elastic modulus of laterite [9] and mor-
tar [10,14,15] The inelastic compressive behaviour based on [10]
estimated. Hard contact between adjacent masonry is defined
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The modulus elasticity of laterite block is required for finite ele-
ment modeling. The secant modulus under compression, which is
the slope of a line on the stress–strain curve connecting the origin
to the point corresponding to 33 percent of the unit compressive
strength, can be used to calculate the units’ elastic modulus [10].
The laterite has a varied strength region to region and with respect
to depth. Hence different samples are tested, and it is observed that
the compressive strength and elastic modulus varies from 2.0 MPa
to 4.5MPa and 500 MPa to 2000 MPa respectively. The laterite
prism of three laterite and 10 mm thick mortar in three layers is
analysed. The elastic modulus of laterite, compressive strength is
varied as shown in Table 4. During the analysis the stronger and
stiffer mortar properties of 1:6 cement mortar ratio with 10 mm
thickness is considered.
It is observed from the stress strain curve shown in Fig. 3 of
laterite masonry prism that the compressive strength of the later-
ite prism depends upon the compressive strength of laterite and
mortar. With low elastic modulus of laterite, it is observed that
the strength of prism also reduced.
3.3. Elastic modulus of mortar
The study mainly focused on effect of stiffness of mortar on
prism strength. For the study the mortar and laterite properties
are varied as given in Table 4. The prism of 3 laterite block with
10 mm thick cement mortar with stack bond is simulated for the
study.
The Fig. 4 shows that the stress–strain curves of masonry con-
structed with weak mortar behaves well compared to the prism
with intermediate and high strength mortar. It is also observed
that as the mortar strength increases with low strength of laterite
the lateral tensile stresses in the mortar joint also increases (see
Fig. 5).
3.4. Thickness of mortar
In this the prism with stack bond with laterite block with vari-
ation in the thickness of joint is simulated. The laterite block with
elastic modulus of 1300 MPa and compressive strength of 4 MPa is
used. The mortar of type 3 with elastic modulus 700 MPa and com-
pressive strength of 3 MPa is used for the analysis. Three different
Dhanalakshmi, K. Kamath and A. Krishnamoorthy Materials Today: Proceedings 62 (2022) 1564–1569

Fig. 2. Compressive stress vs strain response for varied mesh.

Table 4
Values of parameters used for the analysis.

Category Parameters Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4

Laterite Compressive strength (MPa) 2 2.75 4 4.5
Elastic modulus (MPa) 550 800 1300 2000
Mortar (1:6) Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Compressive strength (MPa) 3 4 8
Elastic modulus (MPa) 700 1000 2700
Thickness (mm) 0 10 20 30

Fig. 3. Compressive stress vs strain response for varied elastic modulus of laterite with cement mortar (a) Type 1 (b) Type 2 and (c) Type 3.

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Dhanalakshmi, K. Kamath and A. Krishnamoorthy Materials Today: Proceedings 62 (2022) 1564–1569

Fig. 4. Compressive stress vs strain response for varied elastic modulus of Cement mortar with laterite of (a) Sample 1 (b) Sample 2 (c) Sample (3 and d) Sample 4.

Fig. 5. Compressive stress vs strain response for varied mortar thickness.

prisms with 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm and without mortar were sim-
ulated in ABAQUS 2017.
The compressive strength of a laterite prism with a 10 mm thick
mortar was 2.58 MPa, whereas a prism with a 30 mm mortar had a
compressive strength of 2.35 MPa with an 8.91% drop. The laterite
prism simulation was also done on a prism without mortar, which
performed exceptionally well when compared to the compressive
prism strength of laterite prism with 10 mm mortar, it had a com-
pressive strength of 3.10 MPa, which is an increase of 20.15
percent.
4. Conclusion
This paper has dealt with micromodel approach of laterite stone
masonry. A parametric study on laterite masonry prism done ana-
lytically using FEM based software Abaqus 2017. The nonlinear
material properties of laterite and mortar calculated using numer-
ical model and the basic properties obtained experimentally. The
parameters affecting the compressive stress stain response of
laterite masonry prism obtained. The parameters include thickness
of mortar, elastic modulus of laterite and mortar. A mesh sensitiv-

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Dhanalakshmi, K. Kamath and A. Krishnamoorthy
ity analysis also done, and it was observed that 30 mm mesh size
able to predict actual behavior of laterite prism. From the simula-
tion it is also observed that the elastic modulus of laterite and mor-
tar have direct impact on strength of prism. The analysis done by
varying elastic modulus of mortar showed that the low stiff mortar
behaves very well compared to stiffer mortar properties. The study
shows that the micromodel approach is able to predict the results
which are close to the experimental results.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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