Work

Experimental Calibration and Numerical Validation of Brick–Mortar Contact Stiffness for Detailed Micromodelling of Masonry: Evidence of Induced Normal Stresses Under Shear

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The elastoplastic behaviour and failure of unreinforced masonry structures under biaxial loading are critically governed by the mechanical response of brick-mortar contact interfaces. Detailed finite element micromodelling explicitly resolves brick units, mortar joints, and contact interfaces, offering rigorous numerical representation; however, practical implementation requires the determination of contact stiffness parameters. This study presents an experimental-numerical calibration methodology for these parameters, applied to a representative ceramic masonry system. The methodology integrates experimental characterisation of constituent materials and small-scale masonry specimens with numerical validation in Abaqus using a concrete damaged plasticity model for quasi-brittle materials and traction-separation laws for interfaces. Experimentally-calibrated formulations relating contact stiffness to interface geometry are proposed. Numerical simulations reproduce experimental behaviour with peak load predictions within ±6% for normal and ±1% for shear loading. Detailed micromodelling reveals that normal stresses develop at interfaces even under nominally pure shear, evidencing coupled normal-tangential behaviour, the key role of normal adhesive contact strength, and the justification for the cohesive-frictional interface characterisation.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16142905

Authors: David Cajamarca-Zuniga, Oleg V. Kabantsev

Institutions: Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Universidad Católica de Cuenca