A multi-scale enriched model for the analysis of masonry panels

A multi-scale model for the structural analysis of the in-plane response of masonry panels, characterized by periodic arrangement of bricks and mortar, is presented. The model is based on the use of two scales: at the macroscopic level the Cosserat micropolar continuum is adopted, while at the microscopic scale the classical Cauchy medium is employed. A nonlinear constitutive law is introduced at the microscopic level, which includes damage, friction, crushing and unilateral contact effects for the mortar joints. The nonlinear homogenization is performed employing the Transformation Field Analysis (TFA) technique, properly extended to the macroscopic Cosserat continuum. A numerical procedure is developed and implemented in a Finite Element (FE) code in order to analyze some interesting structural problems. In particular, four numerical applications are presented: the first one analyzes the response of the masonry Representative Volume Element (RVE) subjected to a cyclic loading history; in the other three applications, a comparison between the numerically evaluated response and the micromechanical or experimental one is performed for some masonry panels.     

Homogenization towards a mechanistic Rigid Body and Spring Model (HRBSM) for the non-linear dynamic analysis of 3D masonry structures

A mechanistic model with rigid elements and interfaces suitable for the non-linear dynamic analysis of full scale 3D masonry buildings is presented. The model relies into two steps: in the first step, a simplified homogenization is performed at the meso-scale to deduce the mechanical properties of a macroscopic material, to be used in structural applications; the second step relies into the implementation of a Rigid Body and Spring Model (RBSM) constituted by rigid elements linked with homogenized interfaces. In the homogenization step, a running bond elementary cell is discretized with 24 three-node plane-stress elastic triangular elements and non-linear interfaces representing mortar joints. It is shown how the mechanical problem in the unit cell is characterized by few displacement variables and how homogenized stress–strain curves can be evaluated by means of a semi-analytical approach. The second step relies on the implementation of the homogenized curves into a RBSM, where an entire masonry structure can be analyzed in the non-linear dynamic range through a discretization with rigid elements and inelastic interfaces. Non-linear structural analyses are conducted on a church façade interconnected with a portion of the perpendicular walls and on a small masonry building, for which experimental and numerical data are available in the literature, in order to show how quite reliable results may be obtained with a limited computational effort.     

Fourier-based incremental homogenisation of coupled unilateral damage–plasticity model for masonry structures

In structural analysis of large masonry structures, nondemanding computation effort, numerical stability and simplified model assembly and meshing often have a higher priority over precise details of local stress or strain responses. This paper presents the development of a Fourier-based incremental homogenisation technique, where the macro–micro transformations of mechanical variables are derived by incremental variational problems to minimise the potential energy in representative volume elements (RVEs) with respect to local fluctuating displacement fields expanded in Fourier series. In addition to the proposed homogenisation technique, a unilateral damage–plasticity constitutive model for mortar joints in the RVE is developed within the framework of thermomechanics, which accounts for the stiffness and strength degradation (or recovery) due to the transverse crack opening/closing in the mortar joints. The numerical solution for the homogenisation problem and the performances of the proposed coupled-damage plastic mode and Fourier-based homogenisation scheme verified by detailed case studies are presented. It has been shown that the computational effort of the analysis with the proposed modelling technique can be considerably reduced by more than 20% as compared with that of the discrete modelling technique.     

Kinematic FE limit analysis homogenization model for masonry walls reinforced with continuous FRP grids

A homogenization model for periodic masonry structures reinforced with continuous FRP grids is presented. Starting from the observation that a continuous grid preserves the periodicity of the internal masonry layer, rigid-plastic homogenization is applied directly on a multi-layer heterogeneous representative element of volume (REV) constituted by bricks, finite thickness mortar joints and external FRP grids. In particular, reinforced masonry homogenized failure surfaces are obtained by means of a compatible identification procedure, where each brick is supposed interacting with its six neighbors by means of finite thickness mortar joints and the FRP grid is applied on the external surfaces of the REV. In the framework of the kinematic theorem of limit analysis, a simple constrained minimization problem is obtained on the unit cell, suitable to estimate – with a very limited computational effort – reinforced masonry homogenized failure surfaces.A FE strategy is adopted at a cell level, modeling joints and bricks with six-noded wedge shaped elements and the FRP grid through rigid infinitely resistant truss elements connected node by node with bricks and mortar. A possible jump of velocities is assumed at the interfaces between contiguous wedge and truss elements, where plastic dissipation occurs. For mortar and bricks interfaces, a frictional behavior with possible limited tensile and compressive strength is assumed, whereas for FRP bars some formulas available in the literature are adopted to reproduce the delamination of the truss from the support.Two meaningful structural examples are considered to show the capabilities of the procedure proposed, namely a reinforced masonry deep beam (0°/90° continuous reinforcement) and a masonry beam in simple flexion for which experimental data are available. Good agreement is found between present model and alternative numerical approaches.     

准脆性材料的弹塑性各向异性损伤耦合本构模型研究

针对准脆性材料的非线性特征：强度软化和刚度退化、单边效应、侧限强化和拉压软化、不可恢复变形、剪胀及非弹性体胀,在热动力学框架内,建立了准脆性材料的弹塑性与各向异性损伤耦合的本构关系。对准脆性材料的变形机理和损伤诱发的各向异性进行了诠释,并给出了损伤构形和有效构形中各物理量之间的关系。在有效应力空间内,建立了塑性屈服准则、拉压不同的塑性随动强化法则和各向同性强化法则。在损伤构形中,采用应变能释放率,建立了拉压损伤准则、拉压不同的损伤随动强化法则和各向同性强化法则。基于塑性屈服准则和损伤准则,构建了塑性势泛函和损伤势泛函,并由正交性法则,给出了塑性和损伤强化效应内变量的演化规律,同时,联立塑性屈服面和损伤加载面,给出了塑性流动和损伤演化内变量的演化法则。将损伤力学和塑性力学结合起来,建立了应变驱动的应力-应变增量本构关系,给出了本构数值积分的要点。以单轴加载-卸载往复试验识别和校准了本构材料常数,并对单轴单调试验、单轴加载-卸载往复试验、二轴受压、二轴拉压试验和三轴受压试验进行了预测,并与试验结果作了比较,结果表明,所建本构模型对准脆性材料的非线性材料性能有良好的预测能力。     

A unified plasticity model for cyclic behaviour of clay and sand

This paper presents the development and an experimental evaluation of a simple unified bounding surface plasticity theory for modelling the stress–strain behaviour of sand and clay under both drained and undrained cyclic loading conditions. The model concerned is called CASM-c, which is based on the unified critical state model CASM developed by Yu [Yu, H.S., 1995. A unified critical state model for clay and sand. Civil Engineering Research Report No. 112.08.1995. University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; Yu, H.S., 1998. CASM: a unified state parameter model for clay and sand. International Journal of Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics 22, 621–653]. CASM is a relatively simple model as it only requires seven model constants, five of which are the same as those used in the modified Cam-clay model. All these constants have clear physical meanings and may be easily determined from the results of triaxial tests. A key advantage of CASM over many other existing critical state models lies on its simplicity and unified nature as it can model the behaviour of both clay and sand.The extension of the model CASM presented in this paper consists of adopting the bounding surface plasticity theory and treating the reloading and unloading processes differently when calculating the hardening modulus. As a result, a smooth transition of stiffness and gradual accumulation of permanent strain and/or pore pressure in unload–reload cycles as well as the hysteretic behaviour can be reproduced. The results of model simulations show an encouraging agreement with experimental data from triaxial tests subjected to both one-way and two-way cyclic loading conditions.     

A homogenized viscoelastic model for masonry structures

A linear viscous model for evaluating the stresses and strains produced in masonry structures over time is presented. The model is based on rigorous homogenization procedures and the following two assumptions: that the structure is composed of either rigid or elastic blocks, and that the mortar is viscoelastic. The hypothesis of rigid block is particularly suitable for historical masonry, in which stone blocks may be assumed as rigid bodies, while the hypothesis of elastic blocks may be assumed for newly constructed brickwork structures. The hypothesis of viscoelastic mortar is based on the observation that non-linear phenomena may be concentrated in mortar joints. Under these assumptions, constitutive homogenized viscous functions are obtained in an analytical form.Some meaningful cases are discussed: masonry columns subject to minor and major eccentricity, and a masonry panel subject to both horizontal and vertical loads. The major eccentricity case is analysed taking into account both the effect of viscosity and the no-tension hypothesis, whereas the bi-dimensional loading case is analysed to verify the sensitivity of masonry behaviour to viscous function. In the masonry wall considered, the principal stresses are both of compression, and the no-tension assumption may therefore be discounted.     

A micro-mechanical homogenisation model for masonry: Application to shear walls

An improved micro-mechanical model for masonry homogenisation in the non-linear domain, is proposed and validated by comparison with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. Suitably chosen deformation mechanisms, coupled with damage and plasticity models, can simulate the behaviour of a basic periodic cell up to complete degradation and failure. The micro-mechanical model can be implemented in any standard finite element program as a user supplied subroutine defining the mechanical behaviour of an equivalent homogenised material. This work shows that, with the proposed model, it is possible to capture and reproduce the fundamental features of a masonry shear wall up to collapse with a coarse finite element mesh. The main advantage of such homogenisation approach is obviously the possibility to simulate real complex structures while taking into consideration the arrangement of units and mortar, which would otherwise require impractical amount of finite elements and computer resources.     

Constitutive model for uniaxial transformation ratchetting of super-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy at room temperature

The transformation ratchetting of super-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy was observed by the uniaxial stress-controlled cyclic tests [Kang, G.Z., Kan, Q.H., Qian, L.M., Liu, Y.J, 2009a. Ratchetting deformation of super-elastic and shape memory NiTi Alloys. Mech. Mater. 41, 139–153]. It is concluded that the NiTi alloy presents apparent ratchetting behaviour, and the ratchetting is collectively caused by the cyclic accumulation of residual induced-martensite and the transformation-induced plastic deformation (i.e., namely transformation ratchetting). Based on the experimental results, a cyclic constitutive model was constructed in the framework of generalized plasticity [Lubliner, J., Auricchio, F., 1996. Generalized plasticity and shape memory alloys. Int. J. Solids Struct. 33, 991–1003] to describe the transformation ratchetting of super-elastic NiTi alloy. The proposed model simultaneously accounts for the evolutions of residual induced-martensite and transformation-induced plastic strain during the stress-controlled cyclic loading by introducing an internal variable z_c, i.e., cumulated induced-martensite volume fraction. The dependence of transformation ratchetting on the applied stress levels and the phase transformation hardening behaviour of the NiTi alloy are also considered in the developed model. The anisotropic phase transformation behaviours of the alloy presented in the tension and compression cases are described by employing a Drucker–Prager-typed transformation surface. It is shown that the simulated results of transformation ratchetting obtained by the proposed model are in good agreement with the corresponding experiments, since the typical features of transformation ratchetting are reasonably captured by the proposed model.     

Nonlinear parameter identification of models for masonry

This paper investigates the parameter estimation problem for brick masonry models. An identification procedure is proposed in which the uncertainties of known parameters and/or errors of measurements are its elements of distinction. The minimization process of the discrepancies between experimental data and theoretical measurements takes place by means of a first order iterative method. The identification procedure is applied to two different problems: the calibration of an interface model for brick–mortar joint in its functional form through monotonic experimental tests; to evaluate the unknown parameters of a continuum model for brick masonry walls in its non-holonomic form by means of in-plane cyclic shear–compression test of masonry panels. The general framework of the non-linear estimate methodology, the parameter identification problems and the numerical results are presented.     

Mesoscopic modeling of Acoustic Emission through an energetic approach

The aim of the present work is to present a simple model for damage progression and Acoustic Emission that correctly accounts for energy dissipation due to the formation of micro-cracks and the creation of surfaces in a material undergoing external loading, and thus to derive the scaling behaviour observed in experiments. To do this, energy balance considerations are included in a Fibre Bundle Model approach. The model predictions are first illustrated in a uniaxial test under quasistatic loading conditions. Numerical results are then compared to experimental data relative to tests on masonry elements of various sizes subjected compression. The scaling properties of Acoustic Emission under the chosen energy balance assumptions is analyzed and compared to previous numerical and experimental results in the literature. Power-law scaling behaviour is found with respect to specimen dimensions.     

Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) for the numerical simulation of polycrystalline aggregates under cyclic loading

The numerical modelling of the behaviour of materials at the microstructural scale has been greatly developed over the last two decades. Unfortunately, conventional resolution methods cannot simulate polycrystalline aggregates beyond tens of loading cycles, and they do not remain quantitative due to the plasticity behaviour. This work presents the development of a numerical solver for the resolution of the Finite Element modelling of polycrystalline aggregates subjected to cyclic mechanical loading. The method is based on two concepts. The first one consists in maintaining a constant stiffness matrix. The second uses a time/space model reduction method. In order to analyse the applicability and the performance of the use of a space–time separated representation, the simulations are carried out on a three-dimensional polycrystalline aggregate under cyclic loading. Different numbers of elements per grain and two time increments per cycle are investigated. The results show a significant CPU time saving while maintaining good precision. Moreover, increasing the number of elements and the number of time increments per cycle, the model reduction method is faster than the standard solver.     

Simulation of failure under cyclic plastic loading by damage models

The purpose of this work is to simulate the evolution of ductile damage and failure involved by plastic strain reversals using damage models based on either continuum damage mechanics (CDM) or porosity evolution. A low alloy steel for pressure vessels (20MnMoNi55) was chosen as reference material. The work includes both experimental and simulation phases. The experimental campaign involves different kinds of specimens and testing conditions. First, monotonic tensile tests have been performed in order to evaluate tensile and ductile damage behaviour. Then, the cyclic yielding behaviour has been characterized performing cyclic plasticity tests on cylindrical bars. Finally, cyclic loading tests in the plastic regime have been made on different round notched bars (RNBs) to study the evolution of plastic deformation and damage under multiaxial stress conditions. The predictions of the different models were compared in terms of both, the specimens macroscopic response and local damage. Special emphasis was laid on predictions of the number of cycles prior to final failure and the crack initiation loci.     

砖砌体双参数单轴受压弹塑性损伤力学模型

参考弹塑性损伤模型理论和相关试验数据,建立了砖砌体单轴单调受压和重复受压两种弹塑性损伤本构模型.在模型中采用抗压强度和峰值压应变双参数来调整形变曲线,从而实现了砖砌体单轴受压本构模型的精细化建立.模型不但与既有弹塑性模型相符,而且还符合受压延性与强度呈反向变化的试验结论.重复受压加-卸载路径建立在卸载线性假定的基础上,参考两组试验数据,得出了双线性抗压刚度劣化函数,并通过强度线性插值来调整劣化速率,从而建立了随强度改变的受压加-卸载损伤本构模型.     

A coupled damage-plasticity model for the cyclic behavior of shear-loaded interfaces

The present work proposes a novel thermodynamically consistent model for the behavior of interfaces under shear (i.e. mode-II) cyclic loading conditions. The interface behavior is defined coupling damage and plasticity. The admissible states’ domain is formulated restricting the tangential interface stress to non-negative values, which makes the model suitable e.g. for interfaces with thin adherends. Linear softening is assumed so as to reproduce, under monotonic conditions, a bilinear mode-II interface law. Two damage variables govern respectively the loss of strength and of stiffness of the interface. The proposed model needs the evaluation of only four independent parameters, i.e. three defining the monotonic mode-II interface law, and one ruling the fatigue behavior. This limited number of parameters and their clear physical meaning facilitate experimental calibration. Model predictions are compared with experimental results on fiber reinforced polymer sheets externally bonded to concrete involving different load histories, and an excellent agreement is obtained.