Micromodelling of eccentrically loaded brickwork: Study of masonry wallettes

Arches, vaults and pillars are subjected to significant eccentric loading; for this reason, their assessment needs the effect of strong stress gradients to be taken into account. Based on a series of tests, this paper discusses the outcomes of nonlinear finite element modelling of the tests looking for a deeper insight into the micromechanics of brickwork collapse; i.e. into the phenomena activated inside the bricks, the mortar joint and at the brick/mortar interface at collapse. The Craft model is used as a constitutive model for mortar and bricks, while the brick–mortar interface is represented by interface elements. The results of the FEM analysis, were found to be comparable with the load–displacement and moment–curvature experimental response, and support some conjectures formulated, but not demonstrated, during the testing campaign.