Distinct element modelling of unreinforced masonry wall under seismic loads with and without cable retrofitting

Abstract

To retrofit and strengthen existing unreinforced masonry (URM) structures to resist the potential earthquake damages has become an important issue in Australia. In order to secure the performance of URM under seismic loading in the future, a research project was carried out aimed at developing a simple and high strength seismic retrofitting technique for masonry structures. A series of experimental testing on URM walls retrofitted with an innovative technique by cable system have been conducted. The results indicated that both the strength and ductility of the tested specimens were significantly enhanced with the technique. An analytical model which is based on Distinct Element Method (DEM) has also been developed to simulate the behaviour of URM walls before and after retrofitting. The model is then further developed by applying a seismic wave to the wall to simulate the wall behavior under earthquake loads before and after retrofitting.