Author

T. P. GANESAN, P. KALAYANASUNDARAM and R. AMBALAVANAN Indian Institute of Technology, Madra

Abstract

A three-dimensional approach is desirable for accurate analysis of masonry walls having non-planar geometry and/or eccentric loadings. It is essential for the analysis of hollow block masonry walls in order to take into account the hollow portions. Finite element analyses using isoparametric solid elements are neither practical nor economic for design purposes. A simpler, three-dimensional, linear elastic analysis using membrane elements has been developed in which the material properties of block and mortar are kept the same. Its acceptability has been established by comparing the results with those of the more accurate solid element analysis. This paper reports a membrane element approach on a typical hollow block wall panel under various loading conditions. The usefulness and capabilities of the method are also indicated.