Numerical evaluation of dry-stacked masonry walls against blast loading

Abstract

This research intends to numerically study the out-of-plane behaviour of confined dry-stacked masonry (CDSM) walls against blast loading. CDSM is a mortar-less interlocking masonry system consisting of Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB) laid in stretcher bond with reinforced concrete (RC) confining elements. A nonlinear numerical model is developed using advanced finite element software ABAQUS to study the response of CDSM walls subjected to explosive loads of 8 kgs Trinitrotoluene (TNT). The blast load was detonated at 2m from the walls of confined masonry at a height of 1m above ground. The resulting damage distribution and displacement time history were compared for two walls with different reinforcement. This study helps to visualize the effect of diagonal reinforcement along with the performance of CDSM walls against blast loading using ABAQUS. The results shows less damage for diagonally reinforced wall.