Numerical evaluation of the structural response of hollow fired brick confined masonry walls considering different frame-panel configurations

Santos C.; Chácara C. · Structures (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.istruc.2026.112418

Resumen

This research aimed to numerically evaluate frame-panel interaction in confined masonry walls with hollow fired-clay units and its influence on their cyclic response. For this purpose, a Finite Element (FE) model was updated to capture the response of a confined masonry wall subjected to quasi-static cyclic loading. A strategy combining analytical and numerical formulations was employed to estimate the elastic properties of the constituent materials, specifically the units and mortar joints. Subsequently, a homogenisation technique was used to identify an equivalent material that represents the mechanical response of hollow fired-clay masonry. Moreover, a FE model of the confined masonry wall, in which the frame-panel interaction was modelled with interface elements, was subjected to nonlinear static analysis to assess the influence of mechanical properties on its cyclic response. This procedure allowed the estimation of mechanical properties that satisfactorily captured the experimental results, including cyclic curves and the crack patterns. Different frame-panel interactions, namely plain and toothed, were subsequently incorporated to study the influence of connection typologies on the response of this constructive system, focusing on cyclic curves, crack pattern, stiffness degradation, dissipated energy, and equivalent damping ratio. In addition, this research studied the influence of incorporating steel bars as a strengthening technique and two bond conditions. The findings of this research provide a deeper understanding of the structural behaviour of confined masonry walls with hollow fired-clay units under lateral loads, informing the selection of frame-panel connections.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú