SIZE EFFECT IN BRICK MASONRY WALLETS

B. K. Raghu Prasad, Omer Bin Nasir, Amarnath K

Abstract: In the present paper, results of non linear finite element analysis of Brick Wallets have been presented. The non linear technique for analysis is described. The size of the brick wallets has been varied and overall compressive strength of the brick wallet is determined to study the size effect in brick masonry. As compared to size effect in concrete the behavior of size effect in quasi brittle material like Brick Masonry is not much understood due to its complexities and non homogeneity. The stress strain curves for different wallet sizes are compared. The peak stresses from stress strain curves for all sizes are compared and variations are discussed. The work is carried out for two combinations of bricks and cement mortar. Firstly, strong brick – weak joint (western conditions) is studied which has shown a reduction in strength as size increases. The latter case is for weak brick – strong joint (Indian conditions) where there is not much significant size effect

Keywords: Non linear finite element analysis, Size effect, Brick wallets

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2014.0318003