applied

sciences
Article

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the

Compressive and Shear Behavior for a New Type
of Self-Insulating Concrete Masonry System
Abu-Bakre Abdelmoneim Elamin Mohamad and Zhongfan Chen *
Key Laboratory of RC & PC Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China;
abubakre55@yahoo.com
* Correspondence: 101003944@seu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-139-5101-8486
Academic Editor: Stefano Invernizzi
Received: 21 June 2016; Accepted: 19 August 2016; Published: 30 August 2016

Abstract: The developed study aimed at investigating the mechanical behavior of a new type of
self-insulating concrete masonry unit (SCMU). A total of 12 full-grouted wall assemblages were
prepared and tested for compression and shear strength. In addition, different axial stress ratios
were used in shear tests. Furthermore, numerical models were developed to predict the behavior
of grouted specimens using simplified micro-modeling technique. The mortar joints were modeled
with zero thickness and their behavior was applied using the tractionseparation model of the
cohesive element. The experimental results revealed that the shear resistance increases as the level
of precompression increases. A good agreement between the experimental results and numerical
models was observed. It was concluded that the proposed models can be used to deduct the general
behavior of grouted specimens.
Keywords: self-insulating concrete masonry units; masonry assemblage; compression test; shear test;
micro modeling; cohesive surface-based behavior; full grouted masonry

1. Introduction
Masonry has been used as a common building material worldwide for many centuries. Masonry is
a composite of block units bonded together with mortar. The most effective use of masonry building
can be found in load-bearing structures. The manufacturing of masonry units consumes significant
amounts of resources and energy. This has added considerable pressure on the construction industry
to reduce energy consumption associated with masonry production. Accordingly, many developed
countries applied the energy conservation concept in the building technology. This concept can be
achieved by introducing alternative building materials that have a low impact on the environment.
The use of thermal insulation materials in the production of masonry is one of the most effective ways
for green building technology [1,2].
A number of studies were carried out in this area, and it is thought that there are many parameters
which influence the thickness of an insulator, such as building type, shape, construction materials,
insulation materials, and costs [36]. In general, external insulation methods are common practice
around the world. However, use of insulation blocks composed of expanded polystyrene (EPS)
foam, which are used to replace the external insulation of buildings, becomes more popular with the
intention of thermal insulation. EPS is composed of small, white, and interconnected beads and offers
superior engineering properties such as being lightweight, versatile, energy-efficient, and cost effective.
Therefore, it is used as insulation material in buildings and it can be molded into many shapes to fit
the required purpose [7].

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Most of the previous researches focus on lightweight concrete masonry units as good thermal
insulation materials in buildings. This is because they have a lower thermal conductivity compared
with normal-weight concrete. Unfortunately, masonry units made from lightweight concrete have low
Appl.Sci.2016,6,245
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mechanical properties compared with normal-weight concrete [812]. Inserting insulation material
such
into normal-weight concrete with a special configuration of concrete masonry units (CMUs)
43 as EPSMostofthepreviousresearchesfocusonlightweightconcretemasonryunitsasgoodthermal
leads
an increase in their thermal resistance without affecting their mechanical performance [13].
44 toinsulationmaterialsinbuildings.Thisisbecausetheyhavealowerthermalconductivitycompared
Recently,
a new type of unreinforced masonry system was developed in Europe for use in the
45
withnormalweightconcrete.Unfortunately,masonryunitsmadefromlightweightconcretehave
46
low
mechanical
compared
with normalweight
[812]. Inserting
insulation
construction
of small properties
houses. The
developed
system has anconcrete
energy-efficiency
enclosure
without
47
materialsuchasEPSintonormalweightconcretewithaspecialconfigurationofconcretemasonry
concern for thermal bridges. This type of unreinforced masonry system offers significant contribution
48
units (CMUs) leads to an increase in their thermal resistance without affecting their mechanical
regarding
the design and construction of cost-effective buildings in seismic regions [14].
49
performance[13].Recently,anewtypeofunreinforcedmasonrysystemwasdevelopedinEurope
In this research, a new type of concrete masonry unit has been developed with a self-insulating
50
foruseintheconstructionofsmallhouses.Thedevelopedsystemhasanenergyefficiencyenclosure
feature.
The developed
type
of self-insulating
masonry unit
(SCMU)
would
besignificant
applicable for
51
without
concern for
thermal
bridges. This concrete
type of unreinforced
masonry
system
offers
both
low
and
medium
height
residential
buildings
in
seismic
area
zones.
The
main
objective
of this
52
contributionregardingthedesignandconstructionofcosteffectivebuildingsinseismicregions[14].
study
investigate the mechanical properties, namely, compression strength and shear strength,
53 was to
Inthisresearch,anewtypeofconcretemasonryunithasbeendevelopedwithaselfinsulating
feature.Thedevelopedtypeofselfinsulatingconcretemasonryunit(SCMU)wouldbeapplicable
of54the proposed
SCMUs. The second objective of this study was to develop numerical models to predict
55
forbothlowandmediumheightresidentialbuildingsinseismicareazones.Themainobjectiveof
the behavior of grouted specimens using a simplified micro-modeling technique. The successful use of
56
this study was to investigate the mechanical properties, namely, compression strength and shear
SCMUs
in the construction industry can have a potentially significant impact on the sustainability of
57
strength, of the proposed SCMUs. The second objective of this study was to develop numerical
masonry structures.

58
modelstopredictthebehaviorofgroutedspecimensusingasimplifiedmicromodelingtechnique.
59
ThesuccessfuluseofSCMUsintheconstructionindustrycanhaveapotentiallysignificantimpact
2. Experimental Program
60
onthesustainabilityofmasonrystructures.

A comprehensive testing program was carried out to determine the compressive strength and
61 strength
2.ExperimentalProgram
shear
of masonry wall assemblages. A total of 12 full-grouted wall assemblages were
62
Acomprehensivetestingprogramwascarriedouttodeterminethecompressivestrengthand
constructed
with a new type of SCMU. Six specimens (Nanjing Shihao Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China) were
63 for
shear
strength of masonry
assemblages.
A total of
12 fullgrouted
assemblages
tested
compression
strength,wall
whereas
the remaining
specimens
werewall
tested
for shearwere
strength
64
constructed
with
a
new
type
of
SCMU.
Six
specimens
(Nanjing
Shihao
Co.,
Ltd.,
Nanjing,
China)
(triplet test). It should be highlighted that all specimens were prepared with the same SCMUs, mortar,
65
were tested for compression strength, whereas the remaining specimens were tested for shear
and grout properties.

66
strength (triplet test). It should be highlighted that all specimens were prepared with the same
67
SCMUs,mortar,andgroutproperties.
2.1. Materials

68 The
2.1.Materials

general dimensions
of the new type of self-insulating concrete masonry unit used in this study
are
length, 190 mm height, and 240 mm width for block units and 190 mm length with the
69 390 mmThegeneraldimensionsofthenewtypeofselfinsulatingconcretemasonryunitusedinthis
70 height
studyare390mmlength,190mmheight,and240mmwidthforblockunitsand190mmlengthwith
same
and width for half-block units as shown in Figure 1. The SCMU has one core with circular
71
thesameheightandwidthforhalfblockunitsasshowninFigure1.TheSCMUhasonecorewith
voids at the ends and two chambers: (1) an outer chamber with thickness of 20 mm to accommodate
72
circular
the ends
and two
chambers:
(1)
outer
with thickness
of 20 mm
towith
insulation,
andvoids
(2) anatinner
chamber
with
thickness
ofan
160
mmchamber
to accommodate
reinforcing
steel
73
accommodate insulation, and (2) an inner chamber with thickness of 160 mm to accommodate
the filling grouting concrete. The face and web shell thickness is 30 mm. After blocks were produced,
74
reinforcingsteelwiththefillinggroutingconcrete.Thefaceandwebshellthicknessis30mm.After
the insulation material (EPS) with thickness 20 mm was inserted in chamber (1). Table 1 shows the
75
blockswereproduced,theinsulationmaterial(EPS)withthickness20mmwasinsertedinchamber
mechanical
and thermal properties of EPS used in this study.
76
(1).Table1showsthemechanicalandthermalpropertiesofEPSusedinthisstudy.

(a)

(b)

77
Figure1. Selfinsulatingconcretemasonryunit(SCMU)configurations:(a)block;and(b)halfblock
Figure 1. Self-insulating concrete masonry unit (SCMU) configurations: (a) block; and (b) half-block units.
78
units.

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Appl.Sci.2016,6,245
Table 1. The mechanical and thermal properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

79

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Themechanicalandthermalpropertiesofexpandedpolystyrene(EPS).
Density Table1.
Thermal
Conductivity
Specific Heat
Young Modulus
Yield Strength
3
(kg/m )
(w/mK)
Capacity (J/kg C)
(kN/mm2 )
(N/mm2 )

Density
30 3)
(kg/m
30

ThermalConductivity
SpecificHeat
0.04
1300
(w/mK)
Capacity(J/kgC)
0.04
1300

YoungModulus
3.6 2)
(kN/mm
3.6

YieldStrength
0.46 2)
(N/mm
0.46

The compressive strength of SCMUs was determined in accordance with The American Society for

80 TestingThecompressivestrengthofSCMUswasdeterminedinaccordancewithTheAmericanSociety
and Materials (ASTM) C140 [15] and ASTM C90 [16]. The test was conducted using universal
81 machine
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C140 [15] and ASTM C90 [16]. The test was conducted using
(Jinan Time Shijin Instruments Co., Ltd., Jinan, China) with load capacity of 2000 kN and load
82
universalmachine(JinanTimeShijinInstrumentsCo.,Ltd.,Jinan,China)withloadcapacityof2000
rating of 0.05 0.01 N/mm2 /sec. The average
compressive strength value of SCMUs was 6.7 N/mm2 .
83
kNandloadratingof0.050.01N/mm2/sec.TheaveragecompressivestrengthvalueofSCMUswas 3
Also, the weights
of SCMUs were measured which have an average density value of 1850 kg/m .
84
6.7N/mm2.Also,theweightsofSCMUsweremeasuredwhichhaveanaveragedensityvalueof1850
The typical
mode
of failure with face-shell separation was observed during the test for all SCMU
85
kg/m3. The typical mode of failure with faceshell separation was observed during the test for all
as shown in Figure 2. No cracks were observed during loading of the SCMUs, and the
86 specimens
SCMUspecimensasshowninFigure2.NocrackswereobservedduringloadingoftheSCMUs,and
failure
was
brittle without warning.
87
thefailurewasbrittlewithoutwarning.

88

Figure2.SCMUundercompressiontestmachine.
Figure 2. SCMU under compression test machine.

89
MortarusedinthisstudywasMb15(GB500032010)[17].Mortarwascomposedofcement,sand,
Mortar used in this study was Mb15 (GB50003-2010) [17]. Mortar was composed of cement, sand,
90
lime,andwater.ThemortarmixtureswerepreparedaccordingtoJGJ/T982011[18].Threecubesof
and water. The3werecastedandtestedat28daysofcuringtimetodeterminethecompressive
mortar mixtures were prepared according to JGJ/T98-2011 [18]. Three cubes
91 lime,
70.770.770.7mm
70.7 70.7 70.7 mm3 were casted and tested at 28 days of curing time to determine the
92 ofstrengthofmortar.Theaveragecompressivestrengthvalueofthethreespecimensofmortarwas
93 compressive
14.7N/mm2.strength of mortar. The average compressive strength value of the three specimens
94 of mortar
Thegroutwasusedtofillthecores,increasingtheeffectivecrosssectionalareaofthemasonry
was 14.7 N/mm2 .
95
forloadresistance,andpermittingthebondingofreinforcingbarstotheconcretemasonryblocks.
The grout was used to fill the cores, increasing the effective cross-sectional area of the masonry
3
96 for
Threecubesof100100100mm
load resistance, and permittingwerecastedandtestedat28daysofcuringtimetodeterminethe
the bonding of reinforcing bars to the concrete masonry blocks.
3 werespecimens
97 Three
compressive
of grout.
were
tested
indays
accordance
with
theto
ordinary
cubes ofstrength
100 100
100 The
mmgrout
casted and
tested
at 28
of curing
time
determine
98 the
concrete
mechanical
performance
test
method
(GBJ500812002)
[19].
The
value
of
the
average
compressive strength of grout. The grout specimens were tested in accordance with the
ordinary
99 concrete
compressivestrengthofthethreespecimensofgroutwas24.7N/mm2.
mechanical performance test method (GBJ50081-2002) [19]. The value of the average
100

compressive strength of the three specimens of grout was 24.7 N/mm2 .

2.2.CompressiveStrengthTest

Testwall assemblages (denoted by PC1PC6) as illustrated in Table 2 were

101 2.2. Compressive
Six prismsStrength
of SCMUs
102
prepared according to the procedure specified by the Chinese Masonry Code for compressive
Six prisms of SCMUs wall assemblages (denoted by PC1PC6) as illustrated in Table 2 were
103
strength test [17]. The compressive strength test of masonry prism was conducted on units of
prepared according to the procedure specified by the Chinese Masonry Code for compressive strength
104
dimensionsof590mmlength,240mmwidth,and790mmheight,asshowninFigure3.Themasonry
test [17]. The compressive strength test of masonry prism was conducted on units of dimensions
105
prismswereconstructedwithfourcoursesinrunningbondpattern.Theprismswerefullygrouted
590 mm length, 240 mm width, and 790 mm height, as shown in Figure 3. The masonry prisms were
106 ofandwoodenformswereusedtoensuretheproperfinishingofthegroutattheendofthefaceshells.
constructed
with four courses in running bond pattern. The prisms were fully grouted and wooden
107
Theprismswerecuredinstandardconditions(223Cand95%RH)for28days.Beforetesting,the
were used to ensure the proper finishing of the grout at the end of the face-shells. The prisms
108 forms
prismswerecappedwitha10mmthickcementmortartohaveauniformbearingsurface.
were cured in standard conditions (22 3 C and 95% RH) for 28 days. Before testing, the prisms were
capped with a 10 mm thick cement mortar to have a uniform bearing surface.

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109
109

Figure
3. Masonry prism for compressive strength test (units in mm).
Figure3.Masonryprismforcompressivestrengthtest(unitsinmm).
Figure3.Masonryprismforcompressivestrengthtest(unitsinmm).

110
110
111
111
112
112
113
113
114
114

The compressive
strength
test
was
performed
using
a universal
machine
(Jinan Time Shijin
The
compressive strength
strengthtest
testwas
was
performed
using
a universal
machine
Time
The
compressive
performed
using
a universal
machine
(Jinan(Jinan
Time Shijin
Instruments
Co.,
Ltd.,
Jinan,
China)
with
capacity
of
5000
kN
and
loading
rate
of
0.05

0.01
Shijin Instruments
Co.,Jinan,
Ltd.,China)
Jinan, with
China)
with of
capacity
of and
5000loading
kN and
loading
of
Instruments
Co., Ltd.,
capacity
5000 kN
rate
of 0.05rate
0.01
2/sec.Theprismwasplacedinthelowerplateandthenbothcentroidalaxesoftheprismand
N/mm
2
0.05 20.01
N/mm /sec. The prism was placed in the lower plate and then both centroidal axes
N/mm
/sec.Theprismwasplacedinthelowerplateandthenbothcentroidalaxesoftheprismand
the
center
of thrust
of theof
machine
were
aligned.were
Test setup
ofTest
compressive
strength is shown
in
of
the
prism
the of
center
thrust of
the aligned.
machine
aligned.
setup of compressive
strength
the
center
ofand
thrust
the machine
were
Test setup
of compressive
strength is shown
in
Figure4.
is
shown in Figure 4.
Figure4.

115
115
116
116

Figure4.Compressivestrengthtestsetup.
Figure4.Compressivestrengthtestsetup.
Figure 4. Compressive strength test setup.

117
117
118
118
119
119
120
120
121
121
122
122
123
123
124
124

Table2showstheresultsofcompressivestrengthtestofmasonryprisms.Theresultsrevealed
Table2showstheresultsofcompressivestrengthtestofmasonryprisms.Theresultsrevealed
Table 2 shows the results of compressive strength test of masonry prisms. The results revealed2
thattheaveragecompressivestrengthandthestandarddeviationoftestedprismswere9.21N/mm
thattheaveragecompressivestrengthandthestandarddeviationoftestedprismswere9.21N/mm22
that
the average2,respectively.Thetypicalfailurepatternobservedduringthecompressivestrength
compressive strength and the standard deviation of tested prisms were 9.21 N/mm
and0.4N/mm
and0.4N/mm22,respectively.Thetypicalfailurepatternobservedduringthecompressivestrength
and
0.4
N/mm
,
respectively. The typical failure pattern observed during the compressive strength
testisshowninFigure5.Itwasobservedthattheprismsfailedduetothedevelopmentofvertical
testisshowninFigure5.Itwasobservedthattheprismsfailedduetothedevelopmentofvertical
test
is shown
Figure
5. It Apparently,
was observedthe
that
the prisms
failedof
due
tomortar
the development
of vertical
cracks
alongin
their
height.
lateral
expansion
the
induced high
tensile
cracks along their height. Apparently, the lateral expansion of the mortar induced high tensile
cracks
along
their
height.
Apparently,
the
lateral
expansion
of
the
mortar
induced
high
tensile
stresses
stressesintheblocks,causingthemtocrackandeventuallyfail.Generally,thepatternoffailureis
stressesintheblocks,causingthemtocrackandeventuallyfail.Generally,thepatternoffailureis
in
the blocks, causing them to crack and eventually fail. Generally, the pattern of failure is influenced
influencedbythemodulusofelasticityofthedifferentmaterialsthatmadeupthemasonrysystem
influencedbythemodulusofelasticityofthedifferentmaterialsthatmadeupthemasonrysystem
by
the modulus of elasticity of the different materials that made up the masonry system [20].
[20].
[20].

125
125

Table
2. Compressive strength results of masonry prisms.
Table2.Compressivestrengthresultsofmasonryprisms.
Table2.Compressivestrengthresultsofmasonryprisms.

2
SpecimenNo.
CompressiveStrength(N/mm
Specimen No.
Compressive Strength (N/mm2 ) 2))
SpecimenNo.
CompressiveStrength(N/mm
PC1
9.79
PC1
9.79
PC1
9.79
PC2
9.58
PC2
9.58
PC2
9.58
PC3
9.27
PC3
9.27
PC3
9.27
PC4
8.85
PC4
8.85
PC4
8.85
PC5
9.08
PC5
9.08
PC6
8.71
PC5
9.08
PC6
8.71
Average Compressive
9.21
PC6strength of prisms
8.71
AverageCompressivestrengthofprisms
9.21
AverageCompressivestrengthofprisms
9.21

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126
126
127
127
128
129
128
130
129
131
130
132
131
133
132
134
133
135
134
136
135
137
136
138
137
139
138
140
139
141
140
142
141
142

143
143
144
145
144
146
145
147
146
147

Figure5.Typicalfailuremodeofprism.
Figure 5. Typical failure mode of prism.
Figure5.Typicalfailuremodeofprism.

2.3.ShearStrengthTest
2.3. Shear Strength Test
2.3.ShearStrengthTest

SixmasonryprismsofSCMUassemblages(denotedbyPS1PS6),aspresentedinTable3,were
Six masonry prisms of SCMU assemblages (denoted by PS1PS6), as presented in Table 3, were
preparedaccordingtotheprocedurespecifiedbytheChineseMasonryCodeforshearstrengthtest
SixmasonryprismsofSCMUassemblages(denotedbyPS1PS6),aspresentedinTable3,were
prepared
according to the procedure specified by the Chinese Masonry Code for shear strength
[17].Themasonryprismofsheartestwas390mminlength,240mminwidth,and590mminheight,
preparedaccordingtotheprocedurespecifiedbytheChineseMasonryCodeforshearstrengthtest
test [17]. The masonry prism of shear test was 390 mm in length, 240 mm in width, and 590 mm
asshowninFigure6.Theshearprismswereconstructedwiththreecoursesinrunningbondpattern.
[17].Themasonryprismofsheartestwas390mminlength,240mminwidth,and590mminheight,
in
height, as shown in Figure 6. The shear prisms were constructed with three courses in running
Allshearprismswerecuredinthestandardconditions(223Cand95%RH)for28days.Before
asshowninFigure6.Theshearprismswereconstructedwiththreecoursesinrunningbondpattern.
bond
pattern. All shear prisms were cured in the standard conditions (22 3 C and 95% RH)
testing,theprismswerecappedwitha10mmthickcementmortartohaveauniformbearingsurface.
Allshearprismswerecuredinthestandardconditions(223Cand95%RH)for28days.Before
for
28 days. Before testing, the prisms were capped with a 10 mm thick cement mortar to have a
Shearstrengthtestwasperformedusingtwoloadcells.Oneloadcell(ShanghaiHualiSensor
testing,theprismswerecappedwitha10mmthickcementmortartohaveauniformbearingsurface.
uniform
bearing surface.
TechnologyCo.,Ltd.,Shanghai,China)wasusedtoapplyaconstantverticalprecompressionload
Shearstrengthtestwasperformedusingtwoloadcells.Oneloadcell(ShanghaiHualiSensor
Shear strength test was performed using two load cells. One load cell (Shanghai Huali Sensor
whilethesecondloadcell(ShanghaiHualiSensorTechnologyCo.,Ltd.,Shanghai,China)wasused
TechnologyCo.,Ltd.,Shanghai,China)wasusedtoapplyaconstantverticalprecompressionload
Technology
Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) was used to apply a constant vertical precompression load
toapplyanincreasinghorizontalload.Steelplateswereinstalledtoensureauniformdistributionof
whilethesecondloadcell(ShanghaiHualiSensorTechnologyCo.,Ltd.,Shanghai,China)wasused
while
the second load cell (Shanghai Huali Sensor Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) was used to
loadandtocontrolthelocationofsupportingpoints.
toapplyanincreasinghorizontalload.Steelplateswereinstalledtoensureauniformdistributionof
apply
an increasing horizontal load. Steel plates were installed to ensure a uniform distribution of
PrismsPS1,PS2,andPS3weretestedunderprecompressionof0.1N/mm2,whereasprismsPS4,
loadandtocontrolthelocationofsupportingpoints.
load
and to control the location of supporting points.
2.Thenthepressureswerekeptconstant
PS5,andPS6weretestedunderprecompressionof0.3N/mm
2,whereasprismsPS4,
2 , whereas prisms
PrismsPS1,PS2,andPS3weretestedunderprecompressionof0.1N/mm
Prisms
PS1, PS2, and PS3 were tested under precompression of 0.1 N/mm
while
the
shear
load
was
applied
until
the
failure
of
the
prism
occurred
[21,22].
Shear load was
2.Thenthepressureswerekeptconstant
2 . Then the pressures
PS5,andPS6weretestedunderprecompressionof0.3N/mm
PS4,
PS5, and PS6 were tested under
precompression of 0.3 N/mm
were kept
2perminute.
increasedatarateof0.1N/mm
while the
shear
load
was
applied
until the
failure
of theof
prism
occurred
[21,22].
Shear
loadload
was
constant
while
the
shear
load
was applied
until
the failure
the prism
occurred
[21,22].
Shear
2perminute.
2
increasedatarateof0.1N/mm
was increased at a rate of 0.1 N/mm per minute.

Figure6.Masonryprismforsheartest(unitsinmm).
Figure
6. Masonry prism for shear test (units in mm).
Figure6.Masonryprismforsheartest(unitsinmm).

Fourpotentiometers(LiyangInstrumentsCo.,Ltd.,Liyang,China)(i.e.,twoateachside)were
placedtomonitortheslipbetweentheouterandmiddleunits.Allmeasuringdeviceswereconnected
Fourpotentiometers(LiyangInstrumentsCo.,Ltd.,Liyang,China)(i.e.,twoateachside)were
Four
potentiometers (Liyang Instruments Co., Ltd., Liyang, China) (i.e., two at each side) were
to
a
computer (ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Taibei, China), which processed the data in real time.
placedtomonitortheslipbetweentheouterandmiddleunits.Allmeasuringdeviceswereconnected
placed to monitor the slip between the outer and middle units. All measuring devices were connected
Figure7showstheshearstrengthtestsetup.
to
computer (ASUSTeK
(ASUSTeK Computer
to
aa computer
Computer Inc.,
Inc., Taibei,
Taibei, China),
China), which
which processed
processed the
the data
data in
in real
real time.
time.
Figure7showstheshearstrengthtestsetup.
Figure 7 shows the shear strength test setup.

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148

Figure7.Sheartestgeneralsetup.
Figure 7. Shear test general setup.

149148
Table3showstheresultsofshearstrengthtest.Theinfluenceoftheappliedlevelofthepre
Figure7.Sheartestgeneralsetup.
Table 3 shows the results of shear strength test. The influence of the applied level of the
150
compressionisclearlyvisiblefromTable3.Theresultsrevealedthattheshearresistanceincreases
pre-compression
is clearly visible from Table 3. The results revealed that the shear resistance increases
151149
whenincreasingthelevelofprecompression.Thefailureoccurredatthebedjointforallspecimens,
Table3showstheresultsofshearstrengthtest.Theinfluenceoftheappliedlevelofthepre
compressionisclearlyvisiblefromTable3.Theresultsrevealedthattheshearresistanceincreases
when
increasing
the level of pre-compression. The failure occurred at the bed joint for all specimens,
152150
asshowninFigure8.Thefailurepatternsobservedduringthetestscanbecharacterizedassliding
whenincreasingthelevelofprecompression.Thefailureoccurredatthebedjointforallspecimens,
153151
failuremode.SlidingfailureoftheprismcanbedescribedbytheclassicalMohrCoulombsfailure
as shown
in Figure 8. The failure patterns observed during the tests can be characterized as sliding
152
asshowninFigure8.Thefailurepatternsobservedduringthetestscanbecharacterizedassliding
154failure
criterionequation:

mode. Sliding failure

of the prism can be described by the classical Mohr-Coulombs failure
153
failuremode.SlidingfailureoftheprismcanbedescribedbytheclassicalMohrCoulombsfailure
criterion
equation:
154
criterionequation:
c tan
tan
(1)(1)
= c +

internal
c tanfriction,

155where,
Where,cdenotesthecohesion,istheangleofinternalfriction,isthenormalstress.
c denotes the cohesion, is the angle of
is the normal stress.

156155
156

157
158157
158

Where,cdenotesthecohesion,istheangleofinternalfriction,isthenormalstress.

Table3.Shearstrengthresultsofmasonryprisms.
Table
3. Shear strength results of masonry prisms.

Specimen
Specimen
No.
Specimen
No.
PS1
No.
PS1
PS2
PS1
PS2
PS3
PS2
PS3
PS4
PS3
PS4
PS4
PS5
PS5
PS5
PS6
PS6

Table3.Shearstrengthresultsofmasonryprisms.
MaximumShear
Precompression
ShearStressi
Precompression
Precompression
Maximum
Precompression
Shear
Stress2)
i
pi(kN)
LoadFimaxShear
(kN) Precompression
Stress
i(N/mm2)
LoadF
(N/mm
MaximumShear
ShearStress
Precompression
2)
2 )i
Load8.7
Fpi (kN)
Load F103.0
Stress 0.10
(N/mm
i (N/mm
imax (kN)
2)
LoadFimax(kN)
Stressi(N/mm2)
LoadFpi(kN)
(N/mm0.60
8.7
103.0
0.10
0.60
8.5
106.7
0.10
0.62
8.7
103.0
0.10
0.60
8.5
106.7
0.10
0.62
8.4
105.1
0.10
0.61
8.5
106.7
0.10
0.62
8.4
105.1
0.10
0.61
26.0
126.8
0.30
8.4
105.1
0.10
0.610.74
26.0
126.8
0.30
0.74
26.0
126.8
0.30
0.740.73
25.0
124.5
0.29
25.0
124.5
0.29
0.73
25.0
124.5
0.29
0.730.76
27.0
130.3
0.31
27.0
130.3
0.31
0.76

PS6
27.0
130.3
0.31
0.76
= F/A
pi/Ai and i= Fimax/2Ai, (Ai) is the crosssectional area of a specimen parallel to the bed joints, in square
pi=pi F
pi i and i = Fimax /2Ai , (Ai ) is the cross-sectional area of a specimen parallel to the bed joints, in square
pi = Fpi/Ai and

i
=
F
imax
/2A
i
,
(A
i
)
is
the
crosssectional
area
of
a
specimen
parallel
to
the
bed
joints,
in square
millimeters(mm
millimeters
(mm2 ).2).2
millimeters(mm ).

159159
160160
161

(1)

Figure8.Typicalmodeoffailureformasonryshearprism.
Figure8.Typicalmodeoffailureformasonryshearprism.
Figure
8. Typical mode of failure for masonry shear prism.

Based on the test results presented in Table 3, the friction coefficient in the bed joint can be

161
Based on the test results presented in Table 3, the friction coefficient in the bed joint can be
162 Based
calculatedbasedonthelevelsofcompressionandshearinthejointonceslidinghasoccurred[22].
on the test results presented in Table 3, the friction coefficient in the bed joint can be
162
calculatedbasedonthelevelsofcompressionandshearinthejointonceslidinghasoccurred[22].
calculated
based on the levels
of compression and shear in the joint once sliding has occurred [22].
163
Theresultingshearstress
normalstressgraphisshowninFigure9,whichhasbeenobtainedfroma
163164
Theresultingshearstress
normalstressgraphisshowninFigure9,whichhasbeenobtainedfroma
linearregressionofpoints.TheaveragecohesionandfrictionangleinthebedjointsoftheSCMU
The resulting
shear-stress-normal-stress graph is shown in Figure 9, which has been obtained from
164165
linearregressionofpoints.TheaveragecohesionandfrictionangleinthebedjointsoftheSCMU
2and33.7.
prismsare,respectively,0.5433N/mm
a linear
regression of points. The average
cohesion and friction angle in the bed joints of the SCMU
2
165
prismsare,respectively,0.5433N/mm
2 and33.7.

prisms are, respectively, 0.5433 N/mm and 33.7 .

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

Appl.Sci.2016,6,245
Appl.Sci.2016,6,245

166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176

7 of 14
7of14
7of14

Figure9.Theresultingshearstressnormalstressgraph.
Figure9.Theresultingshearstressnormalstressgraph.
Figure
9. The resulting shear-stressnormal-stress graph.

3.FiniteElementModeling
3.FiniteElementModeling
3.
Finite Element Modeling
Thefiniteelementmethod(FEM)isoneofthepowerfultoolsformodelingastructurewithvery
Thefiniteelementmethod(FEM)isoneofthepowerfultoolsformodelingastructurewithvery
The
finite element method (FEM) is one of the powerful tools for modeling a structure with very
complicatedgeometryandmaterials.Therearemanystrategies,asshowninFigure10,tomodela
complicatedgeometryandmaterials.Therearemanystrategies,asshowninFigure10,tomodela
complicated
geometry and materials. There are many strategies, as shown in Figure 10, to model
masonrystructurewithFEM,whichincludesmacroandmicromodeling.Themacromodelisbased
masonrystructurewithFEM,whichincludesmacroandmicromodeling.Themacromodelisbased
a masonry structure with FEM, which includes macro- and micro-modeling. The macro-model is
ontheassumptionofhomogenousmaterials,andthemortarjointsandunitscanbesmearedintoone
ontheassumptionofhomogenousmaterials,andthemortarjointsandunitscanbesmearedintoone
based
on the assumption of homogenous materials, and the mortar joints and units can be smeared
isotropicoranisotropicmaterial.
isotropicoranisotropicmaterial.
Thisproceduremaybepreferredfortheanalysisoflargemasonry
Thisproceduremaybepreferredfortheanalysisoflargemasonry
into
one isotropic or anisotropic material.
This procedure may be preferred for the analysis of large
structures
due
to
the
reduced
time
and
requirements
as
as
structures
due
to
the
reduced
time
and
memory
requirements
as well
well
asasa
aauserfriendly
userfriendly
mesh
masonry structures due to the reduced time memory
and memory
requirements
as
well
user-friendly mesh
mesh
generation.Inaddition,thistypeofmodelingismostvaluablewhenacompromisebetweenaccuracy
generation.Inaddition,thistypeofmodelingismostvaluablewhenacompromisebetweenaccuracy
generation.
In addition, this type of modeling is most valuable when a compromise between accuracy
andefficiencyisneeded[23,24].
andefficiencyisneeded[23,24].
and efficiency is needed [23,24].

177
178
179

Figure
10.
masonry
sample;
Detailed
micro
Figure
Modeling
strategies
for
block
masonry.
(a) Typical
Typical
(b)
Figure10.
10.Modeling
Modelingstrategies
strategiesfor
forblock
blockmasonry.
masonry.(a)
(a)
Typicalmasonry
masonrysample;
sample;(b)
(b)Detailed
Detailedmicro
micro
modeling;(c)Simplifiedmicromodeling;(d)Macromodeling.
modeling;
(c) Simplified micro modeling; (d) Macro modeling.
modeling;(c)Simplifiedmicromodeling;(d)Macromodeling.

180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190

More
accurate
masonry
assembly
can
be
deducted
by
using
micromodeling
More accurate
accurate response
response of
of aa
a masonry
masonry assembly
assembly can
can be
be deducted
deducted by
byusing
usingmicro-modeling
micromodeling
More
response
of
techniques.Inthismethod,theunitsandthemortarandunit/mortarinterfacearerepresentedby
techniques.Inthismethod,theunitsandthemortarandunit/mortarinterfacearerepresentedby
techniques. In this method, the units and the mortar and unit/mortar interface are represented by
continuumanddiscontinuouselements,respectively.Differentpropertiesforbothunitsandmortar
continuumanddiscontinuouselements,respectively.Differentpropertiesforbothunitsandmortar
continuum
and discontinuous elements, respectively. Different properties for both units and mortar
were
separately
applied,
a
realistic
response
of
masonry
assembly
with
more
wereseparately
separately applied,
applied, and
and this
this leads
leads to
to a
arealistic
realisticresponse
responseof
ofaa
amasonry
masonryassembly
assemblywith
withmore
more
were
and
this
leads
to
accuratepredictionofitslocalbehavior.Despitetheseadvantages,thisapproachisuneconomicand
accuratepredictionofitslocalbehavior.Despitetheseadvantages,thisapproachisuneconomicand
accurate prediction of its local behavior. Despite these advantages, this approach is uneconomic and
inefficientintermsofcomputationaltime.Toovercomethisproblem,simplifiedmicromodelinghas
inefficientintermsofcomputationaltime.Toovercomethisproblem,simplifiedmicromodelinghas
inefficient
in terms of computational time. To overcome this problem, simplified micro-modeling has
beenusedand,accordingtoperviousresearch,itcangiveaccurateresultswithasimplemodeling
beenusedand,accordingtoperviousresearch,itcangiveaccurateresultswithasimplemodeling
been used and, according to pervious research, it can give accurate results with a simple modeling
procedure.Inthistypeofmodeling,themortarjointsareclampedintotheunit/mortarinterfaceasa
procedure.Inthistypeofmodeling,themortarjointsareclampedintotheunit/mortarinterfaceasa
procedure.
In this type of modeling, the mortar joints are clamped into the unit/mortar interface as a
discontinuouselement.Expandedunitsuptohalfofthemortarthicknessinhorizontalandvertical
discontinuouselement.Expandedunitsuptohalfofthemortarthicknessinhorizontalandvertical
discontinuous
element. Expanded unitsup to half of the mortar thickness in horizontal and vertical
directionsweresimulatedtocontinuumelements.Thisprocedurecansuccessfullypredicttheshear
directionsweresimulatedtocontinuumelements.Thisprocedurecansuccessfullypredicttheshear
directionswere simulated to continuum elements. This procedure can successfully predict the shear
behaviorandcrackpattern[2528].
behaviorandcrackpattern[2528].
behavior
and crack pattern [2528].

191

3.1.ConstitutiveModels
3.1.ConstitutiveModels

192

(a)ConcreteDamagePlasticity(CDP)
(a)ConcreteDamagePlasticity(CDP)

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

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3.1. Constitutive Models

193
ThenonlinearbehaviorofthemasonrycanbesimulatedinAbaqususingtheCDPmodel,which
8of14
(a) Appl.Sci.2016,6,245
Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP)
194
canbeusedforconcreteandotherbrittlematerials[29].Thefailuremodesofthismodelarecracks
195
in tension
or crushing
in compression.
Thecan
stressstrain
relationship
corresponding
damage
The
nonlinear
behavior
of the masonry
be simulated
in Abaqus and
using
the CDP model,
which
193
ThenonlinearbehaviorofthemasonrycanbesimulatedinAbaqususingtheCDPmodel,which
196194 parametersforthevalidationmodelsusedinthisstudywerebasedonprimarymodelsproposedby
cancanbeusedforconcreteandotherbrittlematerials[29].Thefailuremodesofthismodelarecracks
be used for concrete and other brittle materials [29]. The failure modes of this model are cracks
197195 Lublineretal.[30]andLeeandFenves[31].Theuniaxialcompressiveandtensileresponseofconcrete
tension
crushingin
incompression.
compression. The
stressstrain
relationship
and corresponding
damage
in in
tension
oror
crushing
The
stressstrain
relationship
and corresponding
damage
198196 isdescribedbydamageplasticityasshowninFigure11.
parametersforthevalidationmodelsusedinthisstudywerebasedonprimarymodelsproposedby
parameters for the validation models used in this study were based on primary models proposed by
197 Lubliner
Lublineretal.[30]andLeeandFenves[31].Theuniaxialcompressiveandtensileresponseofconcrete
et al. [30] and Lee and Fenves [31]. The uniaxial compressive and tensile response of concrete
198 is described
isdescribedbydamageplasticityasshowninFigure11.
by damage plasticity as shown in Figure 11.

199

199

200

200

201

Figure11.ResponseofconcretetouniaxialloadingaccordingtotheAbaqustheorymanual[29].
Figure 11. Response of concrete to uniaxial loading according to the Abaqus theory manual [29].
Figure11.ResponseofconcretetouniaxialloadingaccordingtotheAbaqustheorymanual[29].

(b)CohesiveSurfaceBasedElement

Cohesive Surface-Based Element

201 (b)(b)CohesiveSurfaceBasedElement

202202
Thecohesiveinteractionisdefinedasafunctionofdisplacementseparationbetweentheedges
Thecohesiveinteractionisdefinedasafunctionofdisplacementseparationbetweentheedges
The
cohesive interaction is defined as a function of displacement separation between the edges of
203203 of of
potential
cracks [32].
pervious
researches
have been
conducted
to study
the
potential
[32]. Furthermore,
Furthermore,
pervious
researches
conducted
to study
the
potential crackscracks
[32]. Furthermore,
pervious
researches
havehave
beenbeen
conducted
to study
the parameters
204204 parameters
that affect
the
interaction
performance
brittle
materials.
have
parameters
affectinteraction
the cohesive
cohesive
interaction
performance
for for
brittle
materials.
TheseThese
havethat
that
affect the that
cohesive
performance
for
brittle materials.
These
have concluded
the
205205 concludedthatthemechanicalbehaviorofcohesiveelementscanbedefinedbythreemethods:(1)
concludedthatthemechanicalbehaviorofcohesiveelementscanbedefinedbythreemethods:(1)
mechanical behavior of cohesive elements can be defined by three methods: (1) uniaxial stress-based,
uniaxial
stressbased,(2)
(2) continuumbased
continuumbased and
(3)(3)
tractionseparation
constitutive
model.
The The
206206 uniaxial
stressbased,
and
tractionseparation
constitutive
model.
(2) continuum-based and (3) tractionseparation constitutive model. The tractionseparation model
207
tractionseparationmodelrepresentsthecorrespondinginitialseparationcausedbypurenormal,in
207
tractionseparationmodelrepresentsthecorrespondinginitialseparationcausedbypurenormal,in
represents
theout
corresponding
initial
separation
caused12.
byThis
pure
normal,
ininto
plane,
and out plane
plane,
and
planeshear
shearstress
stress
as
Figure
study
takes
consideration
the shear
208208 plane,
and
out plane
asshown
showninin
Figure 12.
This
study
takes
into consideration
the
stress
as shown
in Figure
study takes either
into consideration
the damage evolution
which can
damage
evolution
which12.
canThis
be specified
using the postdamageinitiation
effective
209209 damage
evolution
which
can
be specifiedby
by either
using the postdamageinitiation
effective
specified by either using the post-damage-initiation effective separation at failure or the total
210 be separationatfailureorthetotalfractureenergy.Furthermore,Coulombfrictionalcontactbehavior
210211 separationatfailureorthetotalfractureenergy.Furthermore,Coulombfrictionalcontactbehavior
was applied
the current models
by introducing
a coefficient
of friction
( ) which
fracture
energy.toFurthermore,
Coulomb
frictional contact
behavior
was applied
to the prevents
current models
211
was applied to the current models by introducing a coefficient of friction ( ) which prevents
introducing a coefficient of friction () which prevents components penetration after forming
212 by componentspenetrationafterformingthecontactasshowninFigure13,especiallyforthenormal
212213 componentspenetrationafterformingthecontactasshowninFigure13,especiallyforthenormal
For
this study,
surfacetosurface
contact behavior
was chosen
the contacting
thebehavior
contact of
as contacts.
shown in
Figure
13, especially
for the normal
of and
contacts.
For this study,
213214 behavior
of
contacts.
For
this
study,
surfacetosurface
contact
was
chosen
and
the
contacting
propertiesforthetangentialandnormalbehaviorwerespecified.Thistypeofcontactisgenerally
surface-to-surface contact was chosen and the contacting properties for the tangential and
normal
214215 propertiesforthetangentialandnormalbehaviorwerespecified.Thistypeofcontactisgenerally
usedtodescribethebehavioroftwodeformablesurfacesconnectingtogether.Alsotheslipratedata
behavior
were specified. This type of contact is generally used to describe the behavior of two
werespecifiedtodefinethecoefficientoffriction[29,33].
215216 usedtodescribethebehavioroftwodeformablesurfacesconnectingtogether.Alsotheslipratedata
deformable surfaces connecting together. Also the slip-rate data were specified to define the coefficient
216
werespecifiedtodefinethecoefficientoffriction[29,33].
of friction [29,33].

(a)

217
218

217
218

(b)

Figure12.Typicaltractionseparationbehaviorandfracturemodes.(a)Tractionseparationresponse;
(a)
(b)
(b)Fracturemodes[29].

Figure12.Typicaltractionseparationbehaviorandfracturemodes.(a)Tractionseparationresponse;
Figure 12. Typical tractionseparation behavior and fracture modes. (a) Traction-separation response;
(b)Fracturemodes[29].
(b) Fracture modes [29].

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

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219
220
221
222
223

Figure13.Frictionalbehavior[29].
Figure
13. Frictional behavior [29].

3.2.FEModel,Results,andDiscussion
3.2.
FE Model, Results, and Discussion
2
Threemodelscompressionprismandshearprismswithprecompressionstressof0.10N/mm
Three
modelscompression prism and shear prisms with precompression stress of 0.10 N/mm2
2
and0.30N/mm
and
0.30 N/mm2weregeneratedusingAbaqussoftwaretosimulatetheexperiments.
were generated using Abaqus software to simulate the experiments.

224

3.2.1.ModelInputs
3.2.1.
Model Inputs

225

(a)
Concrete Damage Plasticity Parameters
(a)ConcreteDamagePlasticityParameters

226
227
228
229

The
masonry assemblages were modeled according to the materials properties in Table 4.
ThemasonryassemblagesweremodeledaccordingtothematerialspropertiesinTable4.The
The
compression
behavior of CDP model was extracted from compression test data for masonry prism.
compressionbehaviorofCDPmodelwasextractedfromcompressiontestdataformasonryprism.
Table
5
shows
the stressstrain and the damage data applied to the models in this study, which
Table5showsthestressstrainandthedamagedataappliedtothemodelsinthisstudy,which
were
calculated based on set of equations provided by Sinha et al [34].
werecalculatedbasedonsetofequationsprovidedbySinhaetal[34].

230

Table 4. The mechanical properties of masonry assemblages.

Table4.Themechanicalpropertiesofmasonryassemblages.

231
232
233
234
235

Elasticity
Plasticity
Elasticity
Plasticity
Mass
Mass
Youngs
Youngs
Density
Viscosity
Poissons Dilation
Sample
Sample
Density3
Viscosity
Modulus Poissons Dilation Eccentricity
f /f co
K
(kg/m ) Modulus2
Ratio
Angle
/fco
Eccentricity bo fbo
K Parameter
3
(kN/mm
)
(kg/m )
Ratio
Angle
Parameter
(kN/mm2)
Compression
Compression
and shear
2672
15.2
0.2
34
0.1
1.16
0.67
0.001
prism
andshear
2672
15.2
0.2
34
0.1
1.16
0.67
0.001
2
prism
where, is the dilation angle (degrees), f bo is bidirectional compressive strength of masonry (N/mm ), f co is
unidirectional
strength
of masonry
(N/mm2 ), Kcompressive
is the ratio ofstrength
the second
stress invariant
2),the
where,
is thecompressive
dilation angle
(degrees),
fbo is bidirectional
of masonry
(N/mmon
fco is
tensile meridian, and Viscosity parameter is used for the viscoplastic regularization of the concrete constitutive
2),Kistheratioofthesecondstressinvariantonthetensile
unidirectionalcompressivestrengthofmasonry(N/mm
equations in Abaqus/Standard analyses (seconds).
meridian,andViscosityparameterisusedfortheviscoplasticregularizationoftheconcreteconstitutiveequations

inAbaqus/Standardanalyses(seconds).
Table 5. Compressive and tensile behavior of the model.

Table5.Compressiveandtensilebehaviorofthemodel.
Concrete Damage Plasticity
Compression
and Shear Prism
ConcreteDamagePlasticity
Compressive Behavior CompressionandShearPrism
Tensile Behavior
Inelastic Strain
Yield Stress CompressiveBehavior
(N/mm2 )
3.68
0
2
YieldStress(N/mm )
InelasticStrain
5.95
0.00021
3.68
0
8.77
0.00082
5.95
0.00021
9.16
0.00120
8.77
0.00082
9.20
0.00140
9.16
0.00120
9.13
0.00230
8.14
0.00746
9.20
0.00140
9.13
0.00230
8.14
0.00746
(b) Joints Cohesive Behavior Parameters

236
237
238

2)
Cracking Strain
Yield Stress (N/mm
TensileBehavior
1.06
0
2
YieldStress(N/mm )
CrackingStrain
0.80
0.00013
1.06
0
0.65
0.00025
0.80
0.00013
0.48
0.00052
0.65
0.00025
0.43
0.00064
0.48
0.00052
0.43
0.00064

The most common friction coefficient () of concrete masonry is in the range of 0.60.8 [33].
(b)JointsCohesiveBehaviorParameters
The best fit was obtained when using 0.80 in this study. Cohesive behavior of the bed and vertical
Themostcommonfrictioncoefficient( )ofconcretemasonryisintherangeof0.60.8[33].The

bestfitwasobtainedwhenusing0.80inthisstudy.Cohesivebehaviorofthebedandverticaljoints

Appl.Sci.2016,6,245

239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251

10of14

weredefinedasshowninTable6.However,theaveragecompressivestrengthofmasonryprismof
10 of 14
9.2N/mm2wasemployedinordertomodelthenormaldamageinitiation[33].Shear(I)presentsthe
inplaneshear,whichwasdeterminedaccordingtoEquation(1)(Figure9).Itiswellknownthatthe
shearstrengthformasonrydependsonthemechanicalpropertiesofmasonryassemblageandthe
joints
were defined as shown in Table 6. However, the average compressive strength of masonry prism
of2the
applied
vertical
load.to
This
leads
tonormal
different
values initiation
of shear strength
for (I)
thepresents
three
of amount
9.2 N/mm
was
employed
in order
model
the
damage
[33]. Shear
models
as
presented
in
Table
6.
The
last
parameter
of
tractionseparation
model
is
shear
(II)
that
the in-plane shear, which was determined according to Equation (1) (Figure 9). It is well known
that
defines
the
outofplane
shear,
which
was
set
to
zero
for
all
models.
Furthermore,
the
maximum
the shear strength for masonry depends on the mechanical properties of masonry assemblage and the
separation
stiffness
coefficient
specified
for
shear models
were
1.25 mm
26 MN/m,
amount
of theand
applied
vertical
load. This
leads to
different
values only
of shear
strength
forand
the three
models
respectively.Thesevalueswereobtainedindirectlybytrialanderrorinthecalibrationprocess.More
as presented in Table 6. The last parameter of tractionseparation model is shear (II) that defines
tested specimens are needed to specify more accurate values for the maximum separation and
the out-of-plane shear, which was set to zero for all models. Furthermore, the maximum separation
stiffnesscoefficient.Thecontactwasassumedtohaveathicknessofzero,thereforehardcontactwas
and stiffness coefficient specified for shear models only were 1.25 mm and 26 MN/m, respectively.
assignedfornormalbehaviorofcontact.Itissupposedthathardcontactpreventsthepenetration
These values were obtained indirectly by trial and error in the calibration process. More tested
ofsurfaceswhichcanoccurinthemodels.
specimens are needed to specify more accurate values for the maximum separation and stiffness
to have a thickness of zero, therefore hard contact was assigned
252 coefficient. The contact was assumed
Table6.Cohesivebehaviorofjoints.
for normal behavior of contact. It is supposed that hard contact prevents the penetration of surfaces
which can occur in the models.
Contact
Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

Sample
Sample

Compression
Compression
prism
prism
Shear prism (1)
Shearprism(1)
Shear prism (2)

253
254
255
256
257
258

Tangential
Behavior
Tangential
Behavior

CohesiveBehavior
Table 6. Cohesive behavior of joints.
TractionSeparation
Behavior
Contact
DamageInitiation(N/mm2)
Normal
Cohesive Behavior
Stiffness
Behavior
BehaviorTraction-Separation
Coefficients(MN/m)
Damage Initiation (N/mm2 )
Stiffness Coefficients (MN/m)

Normal
Frication Behavior
Frication
Coefficient
Coefficient
0.8
0.8

Knn Knn

Kssss
K

KKuu

Normal
Normal

ShearI
Shear
I

-
contact
26

26

9.2
9.2

00

9.2

0.61
0.61
0.74

Hard
Hard
contact

26

26

9.2

Evolution
Evolution

Plastic
Plastic
ShearII
Displacement
Displacement
Shear II
(mm)
(mm)
0 0

Shearprism(2)
Ku representthe stiffness
coefficients

Knn , Kss , and

in normal
and two
shear0.74
directions, MN/m.

-
1.25

1.25

Knn,Kss,andKurepresentthestiffnesscoefficientsinnormalandtwosheardirections,MN/m.

The finite element mesh, boundary conditions, and loading of masonry assemblages are shown in
Thefiniteelementmesh,boundaryconditions,andloadingofmasonryassemblagesareshown
Figure 14.
All the nodes at the bottom of the compression prism were restrained in the three directions
in Figure 14. All the nodes at the bottom of the compression prism were restrained in the three
(x, y, and z axes) to simulate the friction test condition as shown in Figure 14a. While in the shear
directions(x,y,andzaxes)tosimulatethefrictiontestconditionasshowninFigure14a.Whileinthe
models, the bottom of the prism and the right sides (for bottom and top units) were restrained in the
shearmodels,thebottomoftheprismandtherightsides(forbottomandtopunits)wererestrained
directions against the loading as shown in Figure 14b.
inthedirectionsagainsttheloadingasshowninFigure14b.

(a)

(b)

259
260

Figure 14. Geometry of assemblages, finite element (F.E.) mesh, boundary conditions and surface
Figure 14. Geometry of assemblages, finite element (F.E.) mesh, boundary conditions and surface-based
basedinteractionofunits.(a)Compressionprism;(b)Shearprism.
interaction of units. (a) Compression prism; (b) Shear prism.

261
262

Aneightnode3Dstresslinearbrick(C3D8R)wasusedformodelingthemasonryassemblages
An eight-node 3D stress linear brick (C3D8R) was used for modeling the masonry assemblages to
toreducethecomputationtimewithoutlosingtheresultsaccuracy[33].Thegeometryofassemblages
reduce the computation time without losing the results accuracy [33]. The geometry of assemblages
and defined interaction surfaces between units are shown in Figure 14. The size of units are
390 220 195 mm and 195 220 195 mm with zero thickness of mortar.

Appl.Sci.2016,6,245
Appl.Sci.2016,6,245

11of14
11of14

263
263
264
264

anddefinedinteractionsurfacesbetweenunitsareshowninFigure14.Thesizeofunitsare390220
anddefinedinteractionsurfacesbetweenunitsareshowninFigure14.Thesizeofunitsare390220
Appl.
Sci. 2016, 6, 245
11 of 14
195mmand195220195mmwithzerothicknessofmortar.
195mmand195220195mmwithzerothicknessofmortar.

265
265
266
266
267
267
268
268
269
269
270
270
271
271
272
272

3.2.2.ModelOutputs
3.2.2.ModelOutputs
3.2.2. Model Outputs
Figure15showsthefinalvonMisesandmaximumprincipalstressandstrainsforcompression
Figure15showsthefinalvonMisesandmaximumprincipalstressandstrainsforcompression
Figure
15 shows
the finalmaximum
von Mises and maximum
principal
stress and strains
for compression
prism.
prism.As
Ascan
canbe
beseen,
seen,the
the maximumstress
stressoccurred
occurredat
atthe
thebottom
bottomedges
edgesof
ofprism,
prism,while
whilethe
the
prism.
As
can
be
seen,
the
maximum
stress
occurred
at
the
bottom
edges
of
prism,
while
the maximum
maximumstrainislocatedatthemiddleoftheprism.Obviously,thisleadstotheinitiationofvertical
maximumstrainislocatedatthemiddleoftheprism.Obviously,thisleadstotheinitiationofvertical
strain is located at the middle of the prism. Obviously, this leads to the initiation of vertical tensile
tensilesplittingcracksatthemiddleoftheprismandspreadingtothetopandbottomunits,which
tensilesplittingcracksatthemiddleoftheprismandspreadingtothetopandbottomunits,which
splitting
cracks
at the middle
of the prism and
spreading to the
top and bottom
units,numerical
which is
is
issimilar
similarto
towhat
whatwas
wasfound
foundexperimentally.
experimentally.The
Themaximum
maximumstress
stressobtained
obtainedfrom
fromthe
the numerical
similar
to
what
was
found
experimentally.
The
maximum
stress
obtained
from
the
numerical
model
2
model
modelwas
was8.67
8.672N/mm
N/mm2with
witha
adifference
differenceof
of6%
6%compared
comparedwith
withthat
thatrecorded
recordedfrom
fromexperimental
experimental
was 8.67 N/mm with a difference of 6% compared with that recorded from experimental results.
results.
results.

(a)
(a)

(b)
(b)

(c)
(c)

273
273

Figure15.CompressionprismF.E.results:(a)Principalstresses;(b)Strains;(c)Von
Figure15.CompressionprismF.E.results:(a)Principalstresses;(b)Strains;(c)VonMisesstresses.
Misesstresses.
Figure 15. Compression prism F.E. results: (a) Principal stresses; (b) Strains; (c) Von Mises stresses.

274
274
275
275
276
276
277
277
278
278
279
279
280
280

Figure16showsthenumericalresultsforthetwoshearmodels.Figure16apresentsthevon
Figure16showsthenumericalresultsforthetwoshearmodels.Figure16apresentsthevon
Figure
16
shows the
numerical
results for
for
twoprism
shear with
models.
presents
the von
Mises
22 axial
Mises
and
stresses
and
shear
N/mm
constant
stress.
In
Mises
andprincipal
principal
stresses
andstrains
strains
forthe
shear
prism
with0.1
0.1Figure
N/mm16a
axial
constant
stress.
In
2 axial constant stress. In addition,
and
principal
stresses
and
strains
for
shear
prism
with
0.1
N/mm
addition,
addition,the
theload
loaddisplacement
displacementcurve
curvewas
wasobtained
obtainedand
andcompared
comparedwith
withthe
theexperimental
experimentalone.
one.
the
load displacement curve was obtained and compared with the experimental one. Furthermore,
22.
Furthermore,Figure16bdescribesthesameoutputwithdifferentaxialconstantstressof0.3N/mm
Furthermore,Figure16bdescribesthesameoutputwithdifferentaxialconstantstressof0.3N/mm
.
2 . Displacement
Figure
16b
describes
the
same
output
with
different
axial
constant
stress
of
0.3
N/mm
2

Displacementformodel(b)(withanaxialconstantstressof0.3N/mm
Displacementformodel(b)(withanaxialconstantstressof0.3N/mm ))ismuchhigherthanmodel
ismuchhigherthanmodel
for
model (b) (with an axial constant stress of22),whichismainlyduetoincreasingtheconstantaxial
0.3 N/mm2 ) is much higher than model (a) (with an
(a)(withanaxialconstantstressof0.1N/mm
(a)(withanaxialconstantstressof0.1N/mm
),whichismainlyduetoincreasingtheconstantaxial
2
axial
constant
stress of 0.1 N/mm ), which is mainly due to increasing the constant axial stress.
stress.

stress.

Figure 16. Cont.

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

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Appl.Sci.2016,6,245

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(a)

(b)

281
282

Figure16.Shearprisms;loaddisplacementcurves,principal,andvonMisesstressandstraincontours:
Figure 16. Shear prisms; load displacement curves, principal, and von Mises stress and strain contours:
2
2
(a)Modelwithprecompressionstress0.1N/mm
(a)
Model with precompression stress 0.1 N/mm2 ; ;(b)Modelwithprecompressionstress0.3N/mm
(b) Model with precompression stress 0.3 N/mm2 ..

283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294

Themaximumhorizontalloadsobtainednumericallyforthetwomodelswere94.4kNand119.9
The maximum horizontal loads obtained numerically for the two models were 94.4 kN and
kNformodel(a)(withanaxialconstantstressof0.1N/mm2)andmodel(b)(withanaxialconstant
119.9 kN for model (a)
(with an axial constant stress of 0.1 N/mm2 ) and model (b) (with an axial
stress of 0.3 N/mm2), respectively.
Moreover, the horizontal displacement corresponding to the
constant stress of 0.3 N/mm2 ), respectively. Moreover, the horizontal displacement corresponding
maximumhorizontalloadswas0.074mmand0.13mm,respectively.Theseresultsshowadifference
to the maximum horizontal loads was 0.074 mm and 0.13 mm, respectively. These results show
notmorethan10%comparedwiththeexperimentalone.Thesteppedshapefortheexperimental
a difference not more than 10% compared with the experimental one. The stepped shape for the
loaddisplacementcurvestookplaceduetothefactthattheloadwasmanuallyappliedwithforce
experimental load-displacement curves took place due to the fact that the load was manually applied
control.Furthermore,Figure16showsthemaximumvonMisesstressthatoccurredatthelocation
with force control. Furthermore, Figure 16 shows the maximum von Mises stress that occurred at the
ofapplyingtheshearloading.Themaximumstrainislocatedinthehorizontaljointsforbothmodels
location of applying the shear loading. The maximum strain is located in the horizontal joints for both
which agreed with the experimental results as shown in Figure 8. The amount of the horizontal
models which agreed with the experimental results as shown in Figure 8. The amount of the horizontal
displacement (slip) at the location of bed joint is relatively small, indicating a high degree of
displacement (slip) at the location of bed joint is relatively small, indicating a high degree of brittleness
brittlenessforthematerials.Failuremodesandloaddisplacementcurvesforthenumericalmodels
for the materials. Failure modes and load-displacement curves for the numerical models showed good
showedgoodagreementwiththeexperimentalresults.
agreement with the experimental results.

295

4.Conclusions
4. Conclusions
Thispaperpresentsanexperimentalandanalyticalstudyformasonryassemblageswhichwere
This paper presents an experimental and analytical study for masonry assemblages which were
builtfromanewtypeofselfinsulatingconcretemasonryunit(SCMU),andsubjectedtocompression
built from a new type of self-insulating concrete masonry unit (SCMU), and subjected to compression
and shear loadings. Based on the results from experimental and numerical analysis, it can be
and shear loadings. Based on the results from experimental and numerical analysis, it can be
concludedthat:
concluded that:
(1)ThespecialconfigurationofSCMUshasadvantagesinbothstructuralandthermalproperties.
Thestructuraladvantageisprovidingstrongerbondsthantheordinaryconcretemasonryunitsby

296
297
298
299
300
301

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 245

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(1) The special configuration of SCMUs has advantages in both structural and thermal properties.
The structural advantage is providing stronger bonds than the ordinary concrete masonry units by
facilitating the grout between the units, both vertically and horizontally. On the other hand, the thermal
advantage is reducing the thermal bridges by using continuous insulation materials.
(2) The shear resistance of SCMUs assemblages increased as the level of precompression
increased. The shear stress increased from approximately 0.61 N/mm2 to 0.74 N/mm2 as the
precompression stress increased from 0.1 N/mm2 to 0.3 N/mm2 . A similar trend was obtained
from the numerical analysis.
(3) Using a simplified micro-modeling strategy for grouted masonry assemblages gave accurate
results with a simple model procedure. Furthermore, the mortar joints were modeled with
zero thickness and their behavior was simulated using the tractionseparation model of the
cohesive element.
(4) The applications of MohrCoulombs failure criterion and the compressive strength of masonry
prism in the tractionseparation model displayed an acceptable procedure to deduce the general
behavior of grouted masonry assemblages. An average cohesive stress of 0.54 N/mm2 and friction
angle of 33.7 for SCMUs prism were obtained from a linear regression model (R2 = 0.99).
(5) The crack patterns observed experimentally were in good agreement with those predicted by
the F.E. models. Also, excellent correlations between the numerical and experimental results of failure
loads, displacement, and stress distribution were recorded. The predicted values of failure load and
stress presented not more than 10% error.
Acknowledgments: This research was conducted with the financial support of the National Twelfth Five-Year
Research Project in the National Science & Technology Pillar Program (Grant No. 2015BAL03B02).
Author Contributions: Abu-Bakre Abdelmoneim Elamin Mohamad wrote the manuscript; Abu-Bakre
Abdelmoneim Elamin Mohamad and Zhongfan Chen designed the experiments. Abu-Bakre Abdelmoneim
Elamin Mohamad and Zhongfan Chen modified the final paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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