Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Numerical simulation on the seismic performance of retrofitted masonry walls based on the combined finite-discrete element method

  • Published:
Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Due to the long construction life, improper design methods, brittle material properties and poor construction techniques, most existing masonry structures do not perform well during earthquakes. The retrofitting method using an external steel-meshed mortar layer is widely used to retrofit existing masonry buildings. Assessing the seismic performance of masonry walls reinforced by an external steel-meshed mortar layer reasonably and effectively is a difficult subject in the research field of masonry structures. Based on the combined finite-discrete elements method, the numerical models of retrofitted brick walls with four different masonry mortar strengths by an external mortar layer are established. The shear strength of mortar and the contact between the retrofitted mortar layer and the brick blocks are discussed in detail. The failure patterns and load-displacement curves of the retrofitted brick walls were obtained by applying low cycle reciprocating loads to the numerical model, and the bearing capacity and the failure mechanism of the retrofitted walls were obtained by comparing the failure patterns, ultimate bearing capacity, deformability and other aspects with the tests. This study provides a basis for improving the seismic strengthening design method of masonry structures and helps to better assess the seismic performance of masonry structures after retrofitting.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Addessi D, Marfia S, Sacco E and Toti J (2014), “Modeling Approaches for Masonry Structures,” Open Civ. Eng. J, 8(1): 288–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashraf M, Khan A N, Naseer A, Ali Q and Alam B (2011), “Seismic Behavior of Unreinforced and Confined Brick Masonry Walls Before and After Ferrocement Overlay Retrofitting,” International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 6: 665–688.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakeer T (2009), “Collapse Analysis of Masonry Structures under Earthquake Actions,” PhD Dissertation, Dresden University of Technology, Germany.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bretas EM, Lemos JV and Lourenço PB (2014), “A DEM Based Tool for the Safety Analysis of Masonry Gravity Dams,” Engineering Structures, 59(2): 248–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cundall PA (1971), “A Computer Model for Simulating Progressive Large-Scale Movements in Blocky Rock Systems,” Proc.int.symp.on Rock Fracture, 1(ii-b): 11–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Diasity M, Okail H, Kamal O and Said M (2015), “Structural Performance of Confined Masonry Walls Retrofitted Using Ferrocement and GFRP Under In-Plane Cyclic Loading,” Engineering Structures, 94: 54–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fauzan, Ismail FA, Hakam A, Zaidir and Amalia SH (2018), “Experimental Study on Masonry Building Strengthened with Ferrocement Layers,” International Journal of GEOMATE, 14(45): 84–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvez F, Giaretton M, Abeling S, Ingham JM and Dizhur D (2018), “Discrete Element Modelling of a Two Storey Unreinforced Masonry Scaled Model,” 16th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Thessaloniki, Greece.

  • Ge Dongdong, Du Chunbo, Miao Qisong and Chen Xi (2021), “Seismic Collapse Simulation of Existing Masonry Buildings with Different Retrofitting Techniques,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, 20(1): 127–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang ZB (1994), “The Study on Adopting the Cover with Cement Mortar and the Cover with Reinforced Cement Mortar to Strengthen Brick Masonry,” Journal of Tianjin University, 27(6): 764–770. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Isfeld A and Shrive N (2015), “Discrete Element Modelling of Stone Masonry Walls with Varying Core Conditions: Prince of Wales Fort Case Study,” International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 9(5): 564–580.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ismail N and Khattak N (2019), “Observed Failure Modes of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings During the 2015 Hindu Kush earthquake,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, 18(2): 301–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kadam SB, Singh Y and Li Bing (2020), “Seismic Fragility Reduction of an Unreinforced Masonry School Building Through Retrofit Using Ferrocement Overlay,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, 19(2): 397–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komodromos P (2005), “A Simplified Updated Lagrangian Approach for Combining Discrete and Finite Element Methods,” Computational Mechanics, 35(4): 305–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemos JV (1995), “Assessment of the Ultimate Load of a Masonry Arch Using Discrete Elements,” In Computer Methods in Structural Masonry - 3, eds., J. Middleton and G. N. Pande. Swansea: Books & Journals International, pp. 294–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemos JV (2007), “Discrete Element Modelling of Masonry Structures,” International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 1(2): 190–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang JG and Hong L (2011), “Experimental Research on Stress-Strain Relationship of Brick and Mortar in Compression,” Second International Conference on Mechanic Automation and Control Engineering, pp. 6493–6496.

  • Li M and Wang ZH (2003), “Experimental Research on Masonry Wall with Low-Strength Mortar Strengthened with Steel-Mesh Cement Mortar,” Building Structures, 33(10): 34–36. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu GQ (2005), “The Research on the Basic Mechanical Behaviour of Masonry Structure,” PhD Dissertation, Hunan University. (in Chinese)

  • Lou YL (1988), “Research and Design of Strengthening Brick Wall by Cement or Reinforced Cement Mortar Coatings,” Journal of Building Structures, 9(4):1–12. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lourenço PB (2009), “Computational and Experimental Methods in Structures ❘ Multiscale Modeling in Solid Mechanics,” Recent Advances in Masonry Modelling: Micromodelling and Homogenisation, pp. 251–294.

  • Lou YF, Sun BT, Zhang X and Chen HF (2015), “The Collapse Simulation of Single-Story Masonry Subjected to Seismic Ground Motion,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Dynamics, 35(2): 71–77. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC) (2018), LS-DYNA Keyword User’s Manual (R11).

  • Luo WK, Zhu XC and Liao CS (1997), “Composite Stress Correlation and the Value of Shear Friction Coefficient of Brick Masonry,” Proceedings of the Sixth China National Conference on Structural Engineering, A02: 249–257. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mordanova A and Felice G (2020), “Seismic Assessment of Archaeological Heritage Using Discrete Element Method,” International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 14(3): 345–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munjiza A, Owen DRJ and Bićanić N (1995), “A Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method in Transient Dynamics of Fracturing Solids,” Engineering Computations, 12(2): 145–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munjiza A (2004), The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method, John Wiley & Sons, UK.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveria FL and Hanai JB (2008), “Axial Compression Behavior of Concrete Masonry Wallettes Strengthened With Cement Mortar Overlays,” IBARCON Structures And Materials Journal, 1(2): 158–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peng B, Wei SD, Long LB, Zheng QZ, Ma YQ and Chen LY (2019), “Experimental Investigation on the Performance of Historical Squat Masonry Walls Strengthened by UHPC and Reinforced Polymer Mortar Layers,” Applied Sciences, 9(10): 2096.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pulatsu B, Bretas EM and Lourenço PB (2016), “Discrete Element Modelling of Masonry Structures: Validation and Application,” Earthquakes and Structures, 11(4): 563–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riddington JR and Ghazali MZ (1990), “Hypothesis for Shear Failure in Masonry Joints,” Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers Part Research and Theory, 89(1): 89–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roca P, Cervera M, Gariup G and Pelà L (2010), “Structural Analysis of Masonry Historical Constructions. Classical and Advanced Approaches,” Arch Comput Methods Eng, 17: 299–325.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarhosis V and Lemos JV (2018), “A Detailed Micro-Modelling Approach for the Structural Analysis of Masonry Assemblages,” Computers and Structures, 206(AUG.): 66–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlegel R and Rautenstrauch K (2004), “Numerical Modelling of Discrete Materials-Failure Analysis of Masonry Shear Walls,” Bautechnik, 80(7): 15–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shi CX (2003), The Theory and Design of Masonry Structure (2nd Edition), The Chinese Building Industrial Publishing House, China. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Smoljanović H, Nikolić Ž and Nikolina Ž (2015), “A Combined Finite–Discrete Numerical Model for Analysis of Masonry Structures,” Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 136: 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su SQ, Feng DG and Wang QM (1998), “An Investigation on Aseismic Behaviour of Masonry Wall Strengthened with Steel-Meshed Cement Mortar,” Journal of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (Natural Science Edition), 3: 228–232. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun BT and Zhang GX (2018), “Study on Vulnerability Matrices of Masonry Buildings of Mainland of China,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, 17(2): 251–259.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weng XR (2016), “Study on Collapse Patterns of Building Structures and The Distribution of Survival Room in Collapsed Building Ruins,” PhD Dissertation, Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration. (in Chinese)

  • Williams JR, Hocking G and Mustoe GGW (1985), “The Theoretical Basis of the Discrete Element Method” In: Proc. of the Numeta 85- the International Conference on Numerical Methods in Engineering: Theory and Applications, Eds. J. Middleton, G. N. Pande & A. A. Balkema, John Wiley & Sons: Swansea, pp. 897–906.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu QF, Jiang HC, Zhu L and Du G (2009), “Experimental Study of Old Brick Masonry Wall Strengthened with Steel-Meshed Cement Mortar,” China Civil Engineering Journal, 42(4): 77–84. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L (2018), “Experimental Study on Skeleton Curve of Masonry with Brick Wall Reinforced with Mortar Splint,” Master’s Thesis, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. (in Chinese)

  • Zhu BL, Wu MS and Jiang ZX (1984), “A Study on Seismic Capacity of Brick Wall Strengthened with Cement Mortar Reinforced with Steel Mesh,” Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Dynamics, 4(1): 70–81. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu BL (1991), Design Principle of Masonry Structure, Tongji University Press, China. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos. 2018YFC1504400 and 2019YFC1509301), Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52078471), and Scientific Research Fund of Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration (Grant No. 19EEEVL0402).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration, 29 Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150080, China

    Biye Wu, Junwu Dai, Wen Bai & Bowen Chen

  2. Key Laboratory of Earthquake Disaster Mitigation, Ministry of Emergency Management, Harbin, 150080, China

    Biye Wu, Junwu Dai, Wen Bai & Bowen Chen

  3. Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, China

    Huan Jin

Authors
  1. Biye Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Junwu Dai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Huan Jin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wen Bai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Bowen Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Junwu Dai.

Additional information

Supported by: National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant Nos. 2018YFC1504400 and 2019YFC1509301, Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 52078471, and Scientific Research Fund of Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration under Grant No. 19EEEVL0402

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wu, B., Dai, J., Jin, H. et al. Numerical simulation on the seismic performance of retrofitted masonry walls based on the combined finite-discrete element method. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Vib. 22, 777–805 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-023-2198-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-023-2198-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation