Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Veneer Wall Systems Under Out-of-Plane Loading

This paper presents part of a research project that aims to develop an improved understanding of the structural behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) veneer and facade systems considering the variability of strength and stiffness of the brick, mortar, and wall ties. It is imperative to develop a deterministic nonlinear FEA model prior to establishing a stochastic nonlinear FEA model of veneer walls with flexible backup systems. In this paper, a nonlinear FEA model is developed for a full sized single story non-loadbearing veneer wall with ties and flexible timber stud framing as a structural backup. The brick URM wall has dimensions of 2400 mm (h) × 2400 mm (w) × 110 mm (t) with the inclusion of four vertical lines of ties, and four timber studs as an internal layer of the wall system, spaced as per Australian standards. Both inward and outward acting uniform out-of-plane pressure, which represents earthquake and windstorm loadings, are applied to the masonry veneer wall system. The structural response along with tie force distributions are explicated for both uncracked and cracked veneer. Additionally, the load transfer mechanism for a multistory veneer is also analyzed, and tie force distributions across the height are quantified.