Multi-Hit Impact Resistance of Masonry Walls Under Large Mass

Abstract

The present study is focused to estimate the multi-hit impact response of clay brick masonry wall under low velocity and large mass loading. The experiment and simulations were performed in order to predict the behaviour of masonry walls under multi-hit impact. The experiments were performed using pendulum impact testing frame capacity of 250 kN, and the response history was measured using dynamic load cell and high-frequency data logger system. The response of 110-mm-thick clay brick masonry wall was studied against 60 kg mass with hemisphere nose shape. The specimens were tested under repeated loading of same magnitude and direction until failure. It was observed that the resistance of the wall was found to be same up to seventh hit. However, the first crack was observed in bed joint of sixth course from top of the wall at third hit. It is observed that masonry walls result into same amount of resistance up to seventh hit; however, the damage was found to increase with increase in number of hits and failed completely at 11th hit. The numerical simulations were performed using ABAQUS finite element technique, and the results thus predicted were compared with the experimental results. The damage behaviour of masonry wall was incorporated through Drucker–Prager and traction–separation law which is readily available in ABAQUS materials library and has been implemented to model the hardening behaviour and brick–mortar joint interface of clay bricks, respectively. The numerical results were further validated with the experimental results in terms of force history and displacement. Overall, the predicted results were found in good agreement with the experimental results.