Non-Linear Numerical Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Column and Masonry Column Reinforced by FRP Wrapping
A numerical model for unreinforced masonry columns and masonry columns reinforced by FRP wrapping is presented in this paper. Both, the bricks and the mortar are modeled as 3D continuum and to the interface between these two materials a non-linear contact law is assigned. The accurate 3D modeling of masonry units and mortar joints within the numerical model leads to high computational cost, but on the other hand, an appropriate analysis tool delivering detailed information about the behavior of masonry columns is obtained. A concrete damaged plasticity model was adopted for mortar and brick. External wrapping by a perfectly-adherent composite based strips and contact between strips and masonry is defined in the next step. The behavior of reinforcement was assumed isotropic and linearly elastic. The response and failure mechanism of masonry columns can be investigated. For all simulations the commercial software package ABAQUS was used. By comparison with results from experiments [1], the performance of the numerical model is evaluated and the obtained numerical results are discussed.