A cohesive interface model for the structural mechanics of block masonry

Modeling Approaches for Masonry Structures

“…In a FE framework, both the unit bricks and mortar beds have to be discretized, resulting in a high number of nodal unknowns. In particular, the interface models have been proposed to simulate the mortar layers, when these present a reduced thickness, or to simulate the mortar-brick adhesion zones in masonry structures [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Indeed, the cracks occurring in masonry buildings are often located at the mortar joint-brick interfaces, which represent planes of weakness due to the coupling of two different materials.…”

Identification of the representative crack length evolution in a multi-level interface model for quasi-brittle masonry

“…Several methods have been presented for modeling the behavior of interfaces with zero thickness and predicting their failure modes. Giambanco and Di Gati (1997), for examples expressed the constitutive law at the interface in terms of contact traction and the relative displacements of the two surfaces interacting at the joint. The fracture of the joint and the subsequent sliding are associated with the interface yield condition.…”

Damage and plasticity at the interfaces in composite materials and structures

“…The third and the most commonly used approach is based on a simplified micro-model [7][8][9][10][11]. The method considers the interface and the weaker material of the composite structure as a single element.…”

“…The model considers only damage and it assumes that the delamination propagates once the associated energy release rate exceeds a critical value. Giambanco and co-authors [8,9] proposed a simple elastoplastic interface model that focuses on the cohesive-frictional joint transition by taking into account the geometrical dilatancy of masonry structures. The yield surface adopted in their works is expressed by a classical bilinear Coulomb condition with a tension cut-off and with a non-associated flow law.…”

“…As in Refs. [8,9], the convex yield condition is expressed by a bilinear Mohr-Coulomb limit surface and a tension cut-off. In the damaged zone, only a Mohr-Coulomb law is present but with a different frictional angle than in the cohesive zone.…”