A Comparison Between Experimental Outcomes and Discrete Element Modeling for the Evaluation of Failure Modes of Masonry Under Shear Actions

The research presented focused on the mechanical characterization of masonry under pure shear conditions, through experimental and numerical evaluation of small scale specimens derived from a modified masonry triplet. At the scale of the triplet, the microstructure is fundamental, allowing for a detailed evaluation of the interaction between masonry units and mortar joints, taking into account the non-linear behaviour and different failure modes due to the masonry texture. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is employed to record the discrete motion in real time and the rigid body displacements presented within each of these specimens. The capacity of DIC to capture the micro deformations, both the translations and the micro-rotation, allows for a thorough investigation of the experimental failure modes presented. These experimental results are then compared with a Discrete Element Model (DEM), under the assumption of rigid blocks and elastoplastic interfaces, which simulates the motion and interaction of masonry units. This approach delivers valuable insights into the shear-driven behaviour of masonry structures, with a focus on microstructural interactions and its impact on the overall mechanical performance of masonry.