Abstract

The gradual sinking of the surface caused by the subsidence is a geological phenomenon that affects several countries around the world and has been the cause of substantial material damage in elements with low stress strength. Masonry structures have been greatly affected by these differential settlements, due to their low resistance to this solicitation. In order to be able to accurately assess the state of damage present in these structures, during the investigation the behavior of masonry walls of different dimensions is analyzed, under the action of differential settlements. The numerical models were developed through a detailed micro-modeling in the Abaqus / CAE software. The partitions and mortar were considered with Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Pragerelastoplastic behavior, joined by interface elements represented in all vertical and horizontal joints. A mesh study was conducted to define the optimum mesh density and its use of a finite first order element. The numerical models were calibrated with experimental results, to then study the influence of the dimensions of the wall in their resistance, obtain the values of angular distortion for which the structure begins to have irreversible deformations, construct the load curves vs. angular distortion and elaborate the fragility curves of the material, through which the damage status of a masonry wall can be assessed, subject to a certain angular distortion value.