Author
M. Z. GHAZALI, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
J. R. RIDDINGTON and A. H. GAMBO University of Sussex

Abstract
A finite element program is described capable of predicting the shear strength of brick masonry subjected to combined shear and pre-compression. The program is iterative to allow for the non-linear elastic behaviour of mortar and for the development of failure lines along the mortar joints. Failure at a point on a mortar joint is considered to occur when any one of three possible local failure criteria, shear slip, mortar tensile failure or interface bond tensile failure is satisfied. The results from a series of analyses of brick triplet samples allow general conclusions to be drawn regarding the influence of individual material stiffness and strength parameters on the shear strength of masonry joints.