Finite Element Computations on Supercomputers and Their Applications to FailureAnalysis of Composite Masonry Walls

摘要

Two- and three-dimensional finite element models have been developed forconducting interface shear failure analyses of composite walls subjected to inplane vertical and horizontal loads on the block wythe. For the vertical load case a plane-strain model has been developed and a quasi three-dimensional (longitudinal) model has been used for the combined vertical and horizontal loads case. Both models use the double node technique to model failure at the wall interfaces. A three-dimensional model which uses interface elements and smeared crack technique has been developed for conducting failure analyses of walls by using CRAY-2 computer. Vectorized algorithms have been developed and used for efficient 3-D failure analysis on CRAY-2. The feasibility of using the FPS T-20 hypercube parallel computer for 3-D analysis has been examined. A literature review of the shear strength of masonry mortar joints has been conducted to establish a suitable failure criterion for use in the research.