Author
VERSTRYNGE, E. and SCHUEREMANS, L. and VAN GEMERT, D.
K U Leuven, Dep. Civil Eng.
HENDRIKS, M. A. N.
TU Delft, Dep. Civil Eng. & Geosciences

Abstract
Limited information is available in design codes to assess stability of historical masonry structures which are subjected to creep-induced damage. Under high sustained load levels, these time dependent damage accumulations can lead to failure of the structure. An orthotropic, incremental damage model has been implemented in the commercial finite element code DIANA, in order to describe masonry’s time-dependent behaviour. A range of experimental creep tests has been carried out to obtain input values for the model parameters. This experimental program included compressive tests, short-term and long-term creep tests on small masonry wall specimens. The applicability of the model to describe the mechanical response of masonry, subjected to increasing and sustained stress levels is illustrated with benchmark examples and basic applications. The resulting simulation also depends on the scatter of the input parameters. Also the extent of these influences is investigated.

Key words
Time-dependent behaviour, masonry, modelling, damage