Numerical analysis of eco-friendly ductile cementitious composite influence on structural masonry reinforcement

The behaviour of structural masonry walls reinforced with a ductile sustainable cementitious coating, called Ecofriendly Ductile Cementitious Composite (EDCC) is evaluated through Finite Element Modelling (FEM). EDCC is a sustainable material composed mostly by fly-ash and sand, with low cement content, used to repair masonry structures: it has excellent ductile behaviour due to the presence of polymeric fibres. Numerical models that can accurately simulate EDCC-reinforced masonry behaviour under compressive, flexural and shear loads were validated using previous experimental tests. A literature review was completed about the parameters defined for the component materials, interfaces and strategies that can be implemented to model structural masonry walls accurately, with the finite element method. Subsequently, the models were calibrated, comparing the results of stress vs strain or force vs displacement diagrams of experimental tests with numerical simulations. The models were able to simulate the masonry behaviour, with consistent results and failure modes. Parametric modelling was implemented to develop a formula capable of predicting the compressive load capacity of masonry walls strengthened with EDCC.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the behavior of structural masonry walls reinforced with a sustainable cementitious coating through Finite Element Modeling. The numerical models were validated using experimental tests and calibrated to simulate the masonry behavior accurately. A formula capable of predicting the compressive load capacity of the walls was developed.