1 - Advanced 3D modelling and analysis of masonry structures
Dr Lorenzo Macorini
CSM Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Imperial College London
Numerical and experimental investigation on existing structures: two seminars
1. Advanced 3D Modelling and
Analysis of Masonry Structures
Dr Lorenzo Macorini
CSM Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Imperial College London
Rome, 30 January 2018
2. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Outline
• Modelling strategies for masonry
• The proposed mesoscale model for brick-masonry
• Nonlinear analysis of brick-masonry components
• Mesh tying for representing heterogeneous systems and
enhancing computational efficiency
• Mesoscale Partitioned Modelling
• Numerical examples
• Conclusions
3. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Structural masonry
• Most structures built before the second half of the
19th century are masonry structures.
• At present masonry is mainly used for housing
developments, cladding and partition walls.
• Research on masonry is essential to:
- assess the behaviour of existing structures;
- develop effective strengthening measures;
- explore the response under extreme loading;
- investigate new construction products.
4. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Masonry under extreme loading
5. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Assessment of Masonry Bridges
Arch bonding patterns (McKibbins et al., 2006)
Backfill
Load test to collapse on an arch bridge at
Preston, Staffordshire (Page, 1987)
6. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
FE modelling Macro-modelling
Equivalent material approach
Micro-modelling
Two-material approach
Material model
Lourenço, 1996
Lourenço,
1996
7. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Macroscale model
Equivalent material
approach
Mesoscale model
Two-material approach
Structural
scale
Mesoscale
scale
Microscale
scale
Scale of representation
Anisotropy
Chemical -
Environmental
actions
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
Massart, 2003
8. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
Macroscale
models
A.W. Page (1983), The strength of brick
masonry under biaxial tension‐compression,
Int. J. Masonry Constr., 3(1).
• Specific phenomenological nonlinear models should be used
• Damage induced anisotropy cannot be effectively represented
• Problematic identification of material parameters for existing
structures
9. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
Macroscale
models
• Specific phenomenological nonlinear models should be used
• Damage induced anisotropy cannot be effectively represented
• Problematic identification of material parameters for existing
structures
Initial
orthotropy and
periodicity
Damage-
induced
orthotropic
state
Damage-induced
non-orthotropic
state
Massart, 2003
10. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
• Specific phenomenological nonlinear models should be used
• Damage induced anisotropy cannot be effectively represented
• Problematic identification of material parameters for existing
structures
Macroscale
models
11. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling strategies for masonry structures
• Material behaviour is associated with the scale of constituents
• Masonry bond is explicitly taken into account
• Mesoscale models can represent damage induced anisotropy
Tests on brick and mortar
Material identification:
Mesoscale
models
12. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Masonry nonlinear behaviour depends upon the composition, the in-
plane stacking mode and the through-thickness geometry
Through-thickness
geometry
In-plane stacking mode
3D mesoscale modelling for masonry
13. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
3D mesoscale modelling for masonry
Shieh-Beygi & Pietruszczak, Computer &
Structures 2008
Milani, Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2008
• 3D mesoscale models are used mainly in static simulations
of small components, often neglecting large displacement
contribution
• High computational cost
14. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
The proposed 3D mesoscale model
Solid and interface elements account for large displacements, while only
interface elements represent cracks in mortar and bricks
Blocks are modelled using continuum elements, while mortar and brick-
mortar interfaces are modelled by means of nonlinear interface elements
(Lourenço & Rots, 1996)
15. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
2D nonlinear interface elements
A co-rotational approach is employed to allow for large
displacements
• The local co-rotational system
follows the element current deformed
configuration
• The effects of geometric
nonlinearity are established through
transformation between global and
local entities
16. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
2D nonlinear interface elements
Material model
Multi-surface
non-associated plasticity
Elastic response
0σ = k u
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0 0
t
t
n
k
k
k
0kElastic
stiffness
Mortar joints
0
m
t
j
G
k
h
0
m
n
j
E
k
h
2 22 2
1 tan tan 0x y tF C C
2 22 2
2 tan tan 0x y cF D D
2 2Q F
2 22 2
1 tan tan 0x y Q Q Q t QQ C C
Yield functions F1 - F2
Plastic potentials Q1 - Q2
17. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Vermeltfoort & Raijmakers, 1993
J4D J5D
Wpl1
pv=0.3 MPa
In-plane behaviour
18. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Chee Liang, 1996
Wpl1Wpl1
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Out-of-plane
behaviour
19. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Bean Popehn et al., Engineering
Structures, 2008
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Out-of-plane
behaviour
20. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Earthquake tests
66% El Centro (ag=0.23g)
• Out-of-plane failure is governed by geometric instability
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Griffith et al., JSE ASCE, 2004
Out-of-plane behaviour
21. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry arches
Brick-masonry skew arch
Wang, 2004
Zhang, Macorini & Izzuddin, Engineering
Structures, 2016
22. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Improved material description for NL interfaces
• Enhanced efficiency and robustness
• It describes the response under cyclic
loading
Plasticity damage formulation
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica 2017
Cyclic behaviour in the
normal direction
Yield functions
1 2 3 p p pK I D
Cyclic behaviour in the
tangential direction
23. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Anthoine et al., 1995
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica, 2017
24. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica, 2017
Anthoine et al., 1995
25. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry walls
Griffith et al., EESD, 2007
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica, 2017
26. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale Partitioned Approach
Structural scale
Solid elements and 2D
nonlinear interfaces
The advanced 3D mesoscale model is combined with a partitioning
approach allowing for parallel computation (HPC)
• Partitioning approach with super-elements
• Parallel computing enhancing efficiency Jokhio & Izzuddin, 2015
27. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Domain Partitioned Approach
Macorini & Izzuddin, AES, 2013
28. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Domain Partitioned Approach
Communication between parent structure and partitions
29. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Domain Partitioned Approach
0 20 40 60 80
Processing elements - n
0
4
8
12
16
20
Speed-up-S
m
P2
P4
P8
P16 P32
P64
m P2 P4 P8 P16 P32 P64
Parent
Structure
46080 23040 11530 5760 2880 1440 720
Partition - 384 756 1500 2232 3672 4996
Number of nodes for the parent structure and for each partition
m
i
Pi
T
S
T
• Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
Prescribed top vertical
displacements in 1 step
and top horizontal
displacements in 10 steps
uz
ux
30. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Domain Partitioned Approach
0 20 40 60 80
Processing elements - n
0
4
8
12
16
20
Speed-up-S
m
P2
P4
P8
P16 P32
P64m
i
Pi
T
S
T
Monolitic model Model with super-elements
Accuracy of the method
• Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
31. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Modelling with hierarchic partitioning (Jokhio, 2012)
32. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Modelling with partitions and master-slave coupling (Jokhio, 2012)
33. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
Standard (flat) Partitioning
Approach
Enhanced Partitioning Approach
(hierarchic partitioning)
P-L1
P-L2
34. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Numerical performance – Speed-up
Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
model
N.
processors
Parent
Struct.
DOFs
Part. L1
DOFs
Part. L2
DOFs S
m 1 142848 - - -
P4 5 2304 36864 - 4.60
P16 17 6912 9792 - 6.96
P64 65 16128 2736 - 3.24
P4 mslc 5 576 36864 - 3.73
P16 mslc 17 1728 9792 - 12.43
P64 mslc 65 4032 2736 - 116.39
P44 20 768 2304 9792 14.40
P416 69 768 2304 2736 28.65
P44 mslc 20 96 576 9792 17.63
P4x16 mslc 69 96 576 2736 205.50
Si= Tm/TSi
Tm = 13152 s
flat partitioning
35. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Speed-upS
N. of processors
P‐L1 Si= Tm/TSi
Tm = 13152 s
Flat partitioning
• Numerical performance – Speed-up
36. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Numerical performance – Speed-up
Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
model
N.
processo
rs
Parent
Struct.
DOFs
Part. L1
DOFs
Part. L2
DOFs S
m 1 142848 - - -
P4 5 2304 36864 - 4.60
P16 17 6912 9792 - 6.96
P64 65 16128 2736 - 3.24
P4 mslc 5 576 36864 - 3.73
P16 mslc 17 1728 9792 - 12.43
P64 mslc 65 4032 2736 - 116.39
P44 20 768 2304 9792 14.40
P416 69 768 2304 2736 28.65
P44 mslc 20 96 576 9792 17.63
P4x16 mslc 69 96 576 2736 205.50
Si= Tm/TSi
Tm = 13152 s
hierarchic
partitioning with
mixed-dimensional
coupling
37. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Numerical performance – Speed-up
Elastic analysis of a large URM wall (48 48 20-noded solid elements)
Si= Tm/TSi
Tm = 13152 s
38. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Solution accuracy: partitioned vs. monolithic model
Normal stresses after the application of the vertical displacement
39. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Enhancements to improve efficiency
• Solution accuracy: partitioned vs. monolithic model
Normal stresses at the end of the analysis
40. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale Partitioned Approach
162840 nodes – 62 partitions
Magenes et al., 1995
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica 2017
41. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale Partitioned Approach
Magenes et al., 1995
162840 nodes – 62 partitions
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, Meccanica, 2017
42. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
Infilled frames
Elasto-plastic beam elements are used for modelling beams and columns of the frame,
while the detailed mesoscale description is utilised for URM panels
Macorini & Izzuddin, JSE ASCE, 2014
43. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
• Analysis of heterogeneous structures under extreme loading
44. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
• Analysis of heterogeneous structures under extreme loading
Blast pressure in time
Model validation under blast loading Macorini & Izzuddin, JSE ASCE, 2014
45. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
• Analysis of heterogeneous structures under extreme loading
46. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
• BASIS PROJECT
Experimental tests on cavity wall specimens
under blast loading (INERIS, France)
Numerical modelling and nonlinear
analysis of cavity walls under blast loading
-20
70
160
0 1 2 3 4
mbar
Time (s)
Deflagration
47. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesh tying for non-conforming interfaces
• Modelling heterogeneous masonry components and
structures (e.g. multi-leaf walls, masonry bridges)
• Enhancing computational efficiency (mesh optimisation
for non-uniform domains)
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, IJNME 2017
New mesh tying element Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, IJNME 2017
48. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesh tying for non-conforming interfaces
• Modelling heterogeneous masonry components and
structures (e.g. multi-leaf walls, masonry bridges etc)
• Enhancing computational efficiency (mesh optimisation
for non-uniform domains)
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, IJNME 2017
49. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Modelling heterogeneous structures
• Modelling arch bridges
Parent structure
corresponding to
partitioned boundary
Communication
partition-parent
structureBrick-masonry arch
Continuum domain
Backfill
15-noded elasto-plastic
elements
Mescale masonry model
Plastic model for backfill (Zhang, 2015)
50. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
• Interaction between arch and backfill
Mesh tying for non-conforming meshes at
backfill-arch interface
Mesoscale modelling of arch bridges
51. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
• Interaction between arch and backfill
Mesh tying for non-conforming
meshes at backfill-arch interface
Mesoscale modelling of arch bridges
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, IJNME 2017
Increased Speed-up
52. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of arch bridges
Minga, Macorini & Izzuddin, IJNME 2017
Melbourne & Gilbert, Structural Engineer, 1995
53. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Mesoscale modelling of masonry buildings
• Mesoscale partitioned approach
(hierarchic partitioning)
• Mesh tying to connect
perpendicular walls and floor slabs
• Nonlinear dynamic simulations to
investigate the seismic response
54. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
Conclusions
• The proposed nonlinear FE description provides accurate response
predictions of masonry components subjected to different loading
conditions.
• The partitioning approach allows for computational efficiency and
enables the analysis of realistic structures using detailed 3D
modelling.
• The developed computational strategy can be used for high-fidelity
simulations to investigate failure modes of complex systems with
masonry and to calibrate more efficient representations for practical
assessment and design.
The proposed models for masonry have been implemented in ADAPTIC*, an advanced FE
code developed at Imperial College London for nonlinear simulations of structures
subjected to extreme loading.
* B.A. Izzuddin, Nonlinear dynamic analysis of framed structures, PhD. Imperial College
London (University of London), 1991.
55. Advanced 3D Modelling and Analysis of Masonry Structures
Lorenzo Macorini, CSM Group
References
• L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin, A non-linear interface element for 3D mesoscale analysis of brick-masonry
structures, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 85(2011) 1584-608.
• L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin, Nonlinear analysis of masonry structures using mesoscale partitioned
modelling, Advances in Engineering Software, 60 (2013), 58-69.
• L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin, Nonlinear Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Walls under Blast Loading Using
Mesoscale Partitioned Modeling, Journal of Structural Engineering, 140, 8(2014).
• G.A. Jokhio, B.A. Izzuddin, A dual super-element domain decomposition approach for parallel nonlinear
finite element analysis. International Journal for Computational Methods in Engineering Science and
Mechanics 16(2015) 188-212.
• Y. Zhang, L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin, Mesoscale partitioned analysis of brick-masonry arches, Engineering
Structures, 124 (2016) 142–166.
• E. Minga, L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin. A 3D mesoscale damage-plasticity approach for masonry structures
under cyclic loading. Meccanica (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-017-0793-z.
• E. Minga, L. Macorini, B.A. Izzuddin. Enhanced Mesoscale Partitioned Modelling of Heterogeneous
Masonry Structures. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering (2017),
doi:10.1002/nme.5728.