Calibration of a numerical material behaviour model for the simulation of multi-leaf stone masonry walls

This paper presents the calibration of a numerical material behaviour of stone masonry based on experimental results of simple compression tests on single- and three-leaf stone masonry panels, in original and injected condition (1:1 and 2:3 scale), carried out at the University of Padova, using a continuous damage model. The stone masonry panels were simulated considering a homogeneous isotropic material capable of taking into account the joint behaviour of stone, mortar and consolidation material and also the interaction between the internal and external leaves. In simple compression simulations the model was able to represent well the first crack opening, the ultimate load and deformability along the loading direction. In the shear-compression simulations, satisfactory numerical results were obtained in terms of initial elastic stiffness, maximum horizontal loads and also damage progression. The used behaviour model showed limitations on the simulation of the loading and re-loading behaviour in compression and of the energy dissipation and ultimate diplacement capacity in the shear-compression tests.