Finite element modelling of compartment masonry walls in fire

A finite element model called MasSET has been developed which is capable of predicting the structural behaviour of single leaf masonry walls subject to elevated temperatures. The analysis models a slice through the wall as a column strip in plane stress, and also includes material with geometric non-linearity. The model has been previously validated by comparison with experimental results and is used in this paper to conduct a parametric study investigating the effects of slenderness ratio, load eccentricity and boundary conditions. The results of the investigation are presented by way of failure temperatures for each condition, and show conclusive findings to the effects of each parameter investigated.