EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION AND RETROFITTING OF FLY ASH BRICK MASONRY USING EXTENDED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD (XFEM) IN ABAQUS

Abstract

Pakistan is a highly seismic region, with a long history of devastating earthquakes. Many URM buildings in Pakistan are poorly constructed, with inadequate reinforcement and weak mortar. The Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a powerful numerical tool that can be used to solve engineering problems, such as the behavior of fly ash bricks under different loading conditions. The accuracy of XFEM coupled with continuous micro modeling (which is computationally less expensive and accurate as well) needs to be validated through experimental testing. The aim of this study is to implement an innovative modeling strategy of using continuous micro modeling (CMM) with XFEM crack propagation approach in brick masonry. XFEM method predicted an accurate path of crack initiation and propagation through Quadratic Stress Damage Criteria and Critical Fracture Energy Values of the mortar defined in “material property.”