Micro vs. macro models for predicting building damage underground movements

Abstract

For over 30 years various micro and macro models have been used for analysing masonry, but no strong consensus within the structural engineering community exists as to usage. Selection remains driven by field scenarios, cost restrictions, and level of result detail needed. This paper contributes to this discussion by comparing micro and macro models of buildings subjected to excavation-induced ground movements. A smeared crack model is used to represent cracking in bricks and mortar joints, and the brick structure is modelled as an isotropic continuum. In the macro model, a homogeneous procedure employed is an alternative approach for determining mechanical properties of a basic cell. Results are compared to large-scale modelling work. Respective advantages and disadvantages are shown.