Performance assessment of different brick bonds in unreinforced and confined masonry: experimental and numerical investigations under static loading
摘要
Understanding the resistance mechanisms of masonry is crucial due to their high vulnerability to seismic loads. This study aims to evaluate the influence of various brick bond and cement-mortar ratio combinations on the structural performance, and particularly on the seismic resistance, of unreinforced masonry (URM) and confined masonry (CM) walls. For this purpose, compression tests of URM and CM wallets with different brick bonds and the corresponding numerical simulation using a finite element-based isotropic macro-modelling were performed to assess the structural behavior. Compression tests were conducted on masonry wallets incorporating English, Sussex, Header and Rat-trap bonds with cement mortar ratios of 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. To extend and validate the experimental findings, numerical analysis of the wallets was developed to simulate their elastic response under static compressive loading, which has implications for the performance of masonry under seismic loading. The numerical results, in conjunction with the experimental data, provide comprehensive insights into the structural behavior of URM and CM walls, allowing to enhance the understanding of their seismic performance. The results demonstrate that the Sussex bond with a 1:3 cement mortar ratio exhibits higher compressive strength, suggesting its potential as the optimal combination for resisting seismic forces where compressive robustness is essential. The results are contextualized in relation to the structural performance of masonry buildings in seismically active hilly regions, offering practical guidance for optimizing construction practices in such environments.