Crack Evolution of Masonry Wall Due to Differential Ground Settlement: Finite Element Analysis of Differential Ground Settlement of a Building with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls

Some researchers have studied damage of masonry buildings due to differential displacements, by assuming that masonry is a homogeneous isotropic material. To determine masonry crack evolution, further study needs to be done with more precise modeling of brick and mortar joints. In this study, by using the finite element code LS-DYNA, the masonry walls are modeled by using 8-node solid elements for the brick and mortar joints. The main objectives of the research are to study the effect of differential ground settlement on RC buildings with masonry infill walls with and without openings and to examine the associated evolution of crack patterns.