Numerical approach: FEM testing of masonry specimens with different bond configurations of units

Masonry presents a heterogeneous material and therefore many challenges. Since there are many bond techniques for masonry constructions, their behavior is not the same. Major differences can be observed from different bond configurations of units in masonry constructions. The experimental determination of mechanical properties of all possibilities presented by various bond configurations of masonry constructions is quite challenging, expensive and time demanding. An easier and faster approach is the numerical modelling of the masonry test specimens with different configurations and tested through finite element methods. A series of specimens are utilized to compare the differences between the different bond configurations of units in the masonry. Each specimen consists of a different bond configuration of units of the same material, to exclude any other parameters affecting the behavior of the specimen other than the configuration type. The specimens are micro-modelled in ABAQUS and afterwards tested in compression in different angles. The modelling of units follows the CDP (Concrete Damaged Plasticity) model in ABAQUS which is appropriate for quasi-brittle materials. Damage parameters output shows the different cracking patterns of the specimens and represents the reduction in elastic modulus of the model. Different mechanical properties and performances are obtained from every specimen tested. This shows the crucial importance of the bond configuration on the overall behavior of masonry constructions.