Adaptative Limit Analysis of in-Plane Loaded Partially Grouted Reinforced Masonry Shear Walls

An adaptative limit analysis is employed to simulate the lateral in-plane lateral response of partially-grouted reinforced concrete shear walls made of hollow concrete blocks. The wall is modeled through rigid plane elements. Internal plastic dissipation is evaluated at the edges only according to experimentally measured ultimate resistance values. A mesh adaptation scheme is applied to find the correct position of fracture lines during the failure. The results were validated by comparing with the experimental results of full-scale tests of only-vertically reinforced and bed-joint reinforced walls. A good match was found in the prediction of the lateral bearing capacity as well as the failure mode.