A continuum-based strength criterion for masonry: identification of parameters and validation

This paper is focused on the formulation and verification of an anisotropic continuum-based strength criterion for structural masonry. In the approach followed here, the failure function incorporates a scalar anisotropy parameter whose value depends on the orientation of the principal stress system in relation to preferred material directions. An explicit identification procedure for the material parameters/functions is developed and a numerical study, including a set of simulations of biaxial compression-tension tests for different orientations of bed joints, is conducted to verify the predictive abilities of this criterion. The results are compared with the experimental data of Page (1983). In the last part, 3D finite element analysis of a shaking table test is performed involving reduced scale model of a four storey masonry building subjected to seismic excitation. A linear dynamic analysis is carried out and the plastic admissibility of the resulting stress field is assessed.