Prediction of Brickwork Failure Using Discrete-Element Method

Abstract

In this study, a discrete element approach is used to simulate brickwork. Bricks are represented by blocks with Mohr-Coulomb plasticity and strain softening. The mortar consists of elastic Voronoi blocks connected by elastoplastic contacts. First, the parameters for brick and mortar are calibrated through a series of bending and compression tests conducted on brick and mortar samples, respectively. Then, shear tests on triplets are performed and Brazilian tests on disc samples are investigated by the numerical approach. Compared with results from other researchers, the numerical model can not only reproduce accurate strength values of the samples but is also able to display the damage development and fracture patterns of the brick as well as mortar.