Finite element analysis of the in-plane shear behaviour of masonry panels confined with reinforced grouted cores

• Masonry confined with reinforced grouted cores have been examined.
• Explicit FE modelling of URM and confined masonry presented.
• Diagonal test datasets used to validate the FE model.
• Reinforcement in confining core is shown to remain elastic.
• FE predictions compared with four major national masonry design standards.

A combined experimental and numerical program was conducted to study the in-plane shear behaviour of hollow concrete masonry panels containing reinforced grout cores. This paper is focused on the numerical program. A two dimensional macromodelling strategy was used to simulate the behaviour of the confined masonry (CM) shear panels. Both the unreinforced masonry and the confining element were modelled using macromasonry properties and the steel reinforcement was modelled as an embedded truss element located within the grout using perfectly bonded constraint. The FE model reproduced key behaviours observed in the experiments, including the shear strength, the deformation and the crack patterns of the unconfined and confined masonry panels. The predictions of the validated model were used to evaluate the existing in-plane shear expressions available in the national masonry standards and research publications.