Author

FAN, T. and KIM, J. J. and REDA TAHA, M. M.
University of New Mexico, Department of Civil Engineering
SHRIVE, N. G.
University of Calgary, Department of Civil Engineering

Abstract

In previous work, using simplified mechanical models with step-by-step in time analyses, we concluded that the interaction of creep and damage in masonry columns can accelerate failure initiated by cracking in the grout core of the column. However, investigations of historic masonry by others have shown that grout-brickwork interface debonding is typically observed prior to cracking of the grout or the masonry shell. In this study, the Cohesive Zone Material (CZM) method is introduced to model the brickwork-grout interface. Using the CZM method, we show that debonding of the brickwork-grout interface takes place prior to brickwork shell cracking. The interface debonding is caused by a combination of out-of-plane constraint stresses and shear stresses acting along the masonry column. A case study is presented to demonstrate the significance of combined creep and damage on the cracking pattern and the sequence of cracking of masonry columns.

Key words
Masonry, creep, damage, debonding, cohesive zone materials, finite element model