Analysis of the susceptibility of infilling masonry walls to crack due to vertical deformation of concrete structures

Abstract

In this paper a numerical study is presented to evaluate the masonry partitions walls susceptibility to crack due to vertical deformation of concrete structures. Common solutions used in Portuguese buildings for structural systems and non-structural partition walls were analysed in this study.The numerical study was based on a 3D FEM macro models. Two types of simulations were performed. The first type was a simulation of a masonry deep beam subjected to vertical displacements, where experimental results obtained from tests were used to calibrate a non-linear constitutive model. The second type was the simulation of a representative part of a building concrete structure, partially filled with masonry partition walls, subjected to design loadings and creep effects. The objective of these simulations was to evaluate the partition walls susceptibility to crack by modifying some properties of these walls, and also to evaluate, as close as possible, the mechanical behaviour of partition walls affected by the deformation of concrete structures with creep effects.