Author

DAVID C. PAYNE*, DAVID S. BROOKS* and GEORGE SVED**
*Kinhill Engineers Pty., Adelaide
**University of Adelaide

Abstract

A method of analysis combining finite element and finite difference procedures has been developed to provide a means of predicting the strength and stability of slender brick vails subjected to axial and eccentric vertical loads. The influences of the tensile strength of the brick units, the non-linear behaviour of the mortar in the bedjoints, and the initial deviations from vertical straightness have been investigated together with the effects of different end eccentricities of the vertical load. To verify experimentally the finite element study, the tension stiffening effect has been determined by measuring actual moment-curvature relationships for a column built from precision-made polished steel blocks. In addition, eight slender brick walls have been tested as case studies to check the validity of the mathematical model. A review of current design procedures is presented against the background of parametric studies based on the numerical model.