A contribution for the understanding of load-transfer mechanisms in multi-leaf masonry walls : testing and modelling

摘要

Predicting the behaviour of multiple-leaf masonry walls is a challenging issue, given theinfluence of a wide range of factors as the mechanical properties of the leaves, theleaves dimensions and the way the leaves are connected to each other. In the presentpaper, novel experimental results in large three-leaf wallets subjected to shear andcompression are introduced together with a careful numerical interpretation. Two typesof collar joints (with and without shear keys) and two types of stone (weak limestoneand strong sandstone) are considered in the tests. The influence of the boundaryconditions on the numerical response is thoroughly investigated and good agreementwith the experimental results is found. Moreover, a discussion on simplifiedcalculations for practical assessment of existing walls is addressed.