Effect of mortar and bond types on mechanical parameters of masonry walls and numerical assessment

In the thesis, the wall elements with different joint thicknesses and bond types were produced using mortars containing steel fiber in different mixing ratios in order to investigate the effect of mortar and bond types on the mechanical parameters of masonry walls. These wall elements were subjected to the diagonal compression test to determine the best (optimal) wall element in terms of the mechanical parameters. Then, the finite element model solutions of the optimal wall element were performed. Within the scope of the experimental study, firstly some physical and mechanical experiments were carried out for the sand, masonry (solid clay brick) and mortar units. Then, a total of 108 wall elements were created for four different mortar types, three different joint thicknesses and three different bond types using these units. The wall elements were subjected to the diagonal compression test. As a result of the tests, the failure patterns and the mechanical parameters such as ductility capacity, maximum shear strength, maximum displacement and failure load were obtained for each wall element. The wall element (optimal wall element) showing the best behavior in terms of these mechanical parameters was determined. Within the scope of the finite element model study, finite element models were created for the optimal wall element by using micro and macro modeling techniques. The Drucker Prager criterion was used for the nonlinear behavior of the wall element. The effectiveness of the solutions of the finite element models was assessed by comparing them with the experimental results.