Interface Mechanics of Masonry Panels under Biaxial Loading

University Of Houston, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

This project investigates the performance of brick and mortar wall panels under different combinations of in-plane loading representative of masonry structures under seismic events. An experimental program will take advantage of the existing "Universal Panel Tester" at the University of Houston to examine 1.4mx1.4m masonry panels under different combinations of biaxial compression and tension. A digital image correlation system will be used to trace progressive cracking and sliding in the bed and head joints of the brick and mortar material system and potential cracking of the brittle brick units. A computational model will be developed to capture the brittle-ductile failure mechanism of the two component material system, which will be validated from experimental observations to quantify inherent uncertainties in masonry construction. The research involves two graduate students under the direction of the two faculty in addition to one undergraduate student who will be trained (a) in the fields of servo-controlled multi-axial testing, (b) in the use of powerful imaging to track emerging failure mechanisms, and (c) in the field of computer modeling of effective material properties of masonry construction under different in-plane load scenarios. Special efforts will be undertaken to recruit diverse Undergraduate and Graduate students through the proximity with the Texas Southern University, TSU, located next to the University of Houston, and with Prairie View A&M University. National and international cooperation with our colleagues at the University of California-San Diego and at the Polytechnical University of Catalonia, UPC-Barcelona, will serve to reach out to the Hispanic communities, whereby a student exchange program will provide additional incentives.