Semi-numerical micromechanical model for viscoelastic microcracked masonry

This paper proposes a semi-numerical model providing accurate estimates for the mechanical behaviour of viscoelastic microcracked masonry. It relies on two steps. The first one approximates creep mortar by coupling - in Laplace-Carson symbolic space Griffith's theory to Ponte-Castañeda & Willis (PCW) micromechanical scheme accounting microcracks interactions and spatial distribution. PCW is an alternative dilute Mori-Tanaka frequently used homogenize media. Accumulated damage assumed follow power-lawtime evolution according Weibull's failure rate function. In second step, contrary periodic homogenization technique adopted previously (Rekik, 2020) which approaches masonry behaviour, finite elements method complete geometry compute accurately (up numerical error) its local behaviour. sensitivity proposed mesh refinement validated comparison analytical solution. worth noting that accounts both brick constituents following Generalized Maxwell rheological model. As illustration, applied compressed wall. For sake simplicity, only joints are be with frictionless open cracks. Comparisons between panels elastic bricks show additional softening effect induced brick's increasing thus risk failure. • An improved predictions damaged structures. Model based theory, techniques FEM. Rigorous identification properties using Accounting various parameters: thickness joints, creep, distribution follows