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Finite Element Analysis of Rubberized Concrete Interlocking Masonry under Vertical Loading
Amin Al-Fakih1, Mohammed A Al-Osta1,2
1Interdisciplinary Research Center for Construction and Building Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 23, 2022
Summary
This study validated a finite element model for rubberized concrete interlocking bricks (RCIBs) masonry. The model accurately predicts compressive strength and failure mechanisms, showing slenderness ratio significantly impacts prism behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Background:
- Development of rubberized concrete interlocking bricks (RCIBs) using crumb rubber and fly ash as partial replacements for fine aggregate and cement.
- Previous experimental investigation of RCIBs in mortarless masonry construction under compression.
- Need for validated computational models to predict the structural performance of RCIB masonry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform finite element (FE) analysis for validating experimental results of masonry walls and prisms constructed with RCIBs.
- To investigate the influence of slenderness ratio and grout elastic modulus on masonry prism behavior through parametric studies.
- To assess the predictive capability of a detailed micro-modeling approach in ANSYS software for RCIB masonry.
Main Methods:
- Utilization of ANSYS software for finite element analysis.
- Adoption of a plasticity detailed micro-modeling approach.
- Conducting parametric studies on masonry prisms focusing on slenderness ratio and grout elastic modulus.
Main Results:
- The FE model demonstrated high accuracy, achieving approximately 90% agreement with experimental results for compressive strength, stiffness, and failure mechanisms of masonry prisms.
- Parametric studies revealed that the slenderness ratio significantly affects prism behavior, with a 6-course prism exhibiting 68% less compressive strength than a 3-course prism.
- FE analysis of masonry walls showed less than 16% difference compared to experimental results, indicating good correlation. Higher ductility was observed in RCIB masonry under compression.
Conclusions:
- The developed FE model is a reliable tool for predicting the structural response of interlocking masonry prisms and walls made from RCIBs.
- The slenderness ratio is a critical parameter influencing the compressive strength and overall behavior of RCIB masonry prisms.
- The FE model provides a foundation for further research into the structural applications of masonry systems built with rubberized concrete interlocking bricks.
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