Dynamic finite element analysis of earth masonry structures based on experimental material data

Despite the fact that earthen construction is a significant feature of the international architectural heritage, the application of sophisticated analysis methods such as Finite Element (FE) modeling in the appraisal and design of adobe masonry structures has received limited attention up to this day. This paper presents some of the outcomes of an ongoing research programme at the University of Cyprus which aims to investigate the structural response of adobe construction. The behaviour of adobe masonry assemblages under the action of compressive loading-unloading cycles is hereby examined both experimentally and numerically. The development of the FE model used in the numerical simulation is based on a macro- modeling strategy while a simple elastic-plastic constitutive law is adopted. All input parameters required are derived from experimental material data. The numerical results are compared with laboratory test outcomes and useful conclusions regarding the applicability of FE modeling are deduced. The use of the formulated FE model is broadened by analyzing a complete adobe structure under various levels of seismic action. The evaluated response of the adobe structure to dynamic excitations is discussed and the constraints imposed by the model used are analyzed. Finally, critical issues that future research should address in order to enable the efficient computational analysis of earthen construction are identified.