Numerical Modeling of Creep in Composite Masonry Walls

Abstract

A computational procedure based on the principle of superposition to estimate creep strains in composite masonry walls is developed and presented in this paper. This development is based on the assumption that creep‐versus‐time relationship in masonry can be uniquely defined by a specific creep‐ (i.e., creep per unit stress) versus‐time curve. Experimentally obtained, specific creep‐versus‐time curves for various components of composite masonry walls subjected to uniaxial compressive loads are utilized to establish relationships between the components of creep strain increments and existing stresses. These relationships are used in conjunction with the principle of superposition to compute creep strains in composite masonry walls. In addition, the effect of creep strains on stress changes is also investigated. It is shown that all strains do increase substantially due to creep during the first 300 days, most of these during the first month after load application. On the other hand, the shear stresses in the collar joint remain almost constant with the lapse of time.