AbstractsEngineering

The aim of this thesis is to present a framework for the application of micro-modeling techniques for the analysis of unreinforced masonry structures. Finite element analyses of case studies from the literature are carried out in order to establish their capacity to predict the compressive strength of masonry. A critical review of the experimental inventory is carried out in parallel. An experimental campaign involving masonry materials common in historical structures is presented. A parametric study on the modeling technique and the influence of material properties is also performed based on the finite element framework already presented. A series of shear wall experiments are simulated using finite element models. The shear tests have been performed under a wide range of vertical prestress levels. The influence of the modeling technique is again investigated. A micro-mechanical model for the analysis of masonry periodic unit cells is developed and presented, based on a critical analysis of the results of the preceding finite element analyses. The model may be used for the derivation of the linear and nonlinear elastic properties of masonry walls ans pillars of a wide variety of typologies. The results of the model are compared against experimental results, finite element analysis benchmarks and closed form expressions. The model also forms the basis for the development of a closed formexpression for the prediction of the compressive strength of masonry. A complex masonry pillar is tested in compression. Its constituent materials are extensively characterized for the determination of their mechanical properties. The pillar test is simulated using a finite element micro-model for the purpose of highlighting the effect of the properties of its materials on its structural response. An analytical model for the prediction of the compressive strength of multi-leaf masonry is also proposed.; El objetivo de esta tesis es presentar un esbozo de aplicación de técnicas de micro-modelado para el análisis de estructuras de fábrica sin refuerzo. Se han llevado a cabo análisis de elementos finitos de casos prácticos extraídos de la bibliografia para establecer su capacidad de predecir la resistencia a compresión de las estructures de fábrica. Paralelamente se ha realizado una revisión crítica del inventario experimental. Se expone una campaña experimental involucrando materiales de fábrica frecuentemente encontrado en estructuras históricas. Así mismo, se realiza un estudio paramétrico de las técnicas de modelado y la influencia de las propiedades de los materiales basado en el esbozo de anàlisis expuesto previamente. Se ha simulado por medio de modelos de elementos finitos una serie de experimentos realizados en muros a cortante. Los ensayos a cortante se han realizado bajo la acción de un amplio rango de niveles de pretensado vertical. La influencia de las técnicas de modelado es investigada. Se desarrolla y expone un modelo micro-mecánico para analizar células de fábrica periódicas, basado en un análisis crítico de los…