Investigating elasto-plastic behavior of masonry walls by experimental and numerical methods

In this research, some experimental and analytical studies have been completed in order to investigate the elasto-plastic behavior of masonry walls. Various masonry unit types and mortar thicknesses have been used. Obtained parameters from experimental studies have been used in analytical models and Load - Displacement diagrams both from experimental results and analytical results have been compared. During the experimental study 4 different masonry unit type and 3 different mortar thickness have been used. 24 different walls have been created. These are the common types o masonry walls that have been used. The mechanical properties of all material have been obtained prior to the experimental analysis. The walls have been subjected to vertical and lateral loads while lateral displacements have been collected from 4 different points by four LVDT. Lateral loads, displacements and all damages on the walls have been recorded. After the experimental analysis, all walls have been modeled by finite element method. Material properties in the models are used in conjunction with material properties obtained from material experiments. In the model, bricks and mortar have been modeled separately and joined by cohesive elements. Concrete damage plasticity has been used for the damage model for materials. In addition, the parameters that have been used for walls' non-linear behavior are investigated in detail. Finally, the experimental and analytical results have been investigated and load-displacement data have been compared by material type, mortar thicknesses. In addition, ductile behavior and energy capacities have been investigated. The study consists of seven sections. First Section includes the literature review. The target and originality of the thesis have been explained. In the second section, the masonry structures have been stated. The masonry structures and the behavior of mortar have been explained. The third section mechanical behavior of the materials have been represented. The damage model has been explained. In the fourth section, finite element method and modeling techniques have been stated in detail. The relation between numerical analysis and finite element method have been explained. Modeling details have been stated. In the fifth section, experimental part of the study has been explained. Mechanical experiments and experimental setup have been stated. The mechanical properties of the materials have been used in the walls have been analyzed. The damage states have been investigated and Load – Displacement graphs have been stated. The walls have been compared based on material type, mortar thickness, ductility and energy capacities. The sixth section the analytical analysis of the walls have been investigated and the analytical results and experimental results have been compared. In the seventh section, the study is competed and a proposal have been stated based on the findings.