Modeling of influence of heterogeneity on mechanical performance of unreinforced masonry shear walls

Most of the existing analytical models for masonry walls were based on the homogeneous tools although masonry was well known as heterogeneous materials. In this contribution, a heterogeneous model was used to simulate the fracture behaviors of masonry wall under shear-compression load. The masonry model was considered as a three-phase composite composed of units, joints and unit–joint interfaces. The mechanical properties of elements were assumed to conform to a given Weibull distribution to reflect the heterogeneity of masonry materials. The fracture process, including crack initiation and propagation, was captured. The influences of heterogeneity of the masonry materials on their fracture behaviors, load–displacement responses and peak loads were analyzed in detail. The numerical results have a general agreement with the experimental investigations.

► A random distribution model is adopted to reflect the heterogeneity of masonry material.
► The influences of heterogeneity on masonry wall fracture behaviors, load-displacement curves and peak loads are analyzed.
► The process including the initiation, propagation and formation of the stepped diagonal shear crack can be obtained.