Finite element analysis of single-storey unreinforced alternative masonry walls

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Authors

De Villiers, Wibke I.
Van Zijl, G.P.A.G. (Gideon)
Boshoff, W.P. (Billy)

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Sage

Abstract

The most commonly cited obstacles to the uptake of alternative masonry units on a meaningful scale, despite significant research investment, are a lack of standards and understanding of their structural behaviour. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on finite element analysis of alternative masonry structures, towards improved understanding of their structural behaviour. Two critical masonry wall configurations, in the context of South African low-income, government-subsidised housing, are analysed using the simplified micro-modelling approach, under ultimate limit state wind and seismic actions. Three alternative masonry materials are characterised and employed in the numerical analyses, geopolymer, compressed-stabilised earth and adobe blocks, as well as conventional concrete blocks as benchmark. Despite the wide spectrum in masonry materials analysed, the chosen modelling approach captured the major failure mechanisms well. The four materials performed as expected relative to one another, but most wall/material configurations failed to resist the required design load, including the conventional concrete masonry material.

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Keywords

Adobe, Alternative masonry, Compressed-stabilised earth, Finite element analysis, Geopolymer, Low-income housing, Simplified micro-modelling

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Citation

De Villiers, W.I., Van Zijl, G.P., Boshoff, W.P. Finite element analysis of single-storey unreinforced alternative masonry walls. Advances in Structural Engineering. 2021; 24 (9): 2011-2026. doi:10.1177/1369433221992483.