Properties of Brick Masonry for FE modeling

Brick masonry exhibits distinct directional properties due to the mortar joints, which act as planes of weakness, resulting in brick masonry structures showing complex and non-linear mechanical behaviour. The analysis of mechanical behavior of brick masonry still remains a true challenge. Properties of brick masonry components are important in the FEM analysis of masonry structures. Three varieties of brick and three mix proportion of mortar were considered for experiments. Compressive strength, water absorption, Modulus of elasticity and Poisson ratio of bricks and Compressive strength, Modulus of elasticity, Poisson ratio and density of different mortars were determined. The results were compared and discussed and suitable values for non – linear FE analysis of masonry buildings were recommended.