University of Surrey Department of Civil Engineering Analysis of wall panels in connection with the Hanson EcoHouse™ at BRE Stephen G Rhodes A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering 2008ABSTRACT Nonlinear Finite Element (FE) analyses are used to model thin joint masonry panels subject to compression, flexure about bed joints and in-plane shear. The expected structural behaviour of such panels, as deduced from literature, is used to assess suitable modelling procedures. The LUSAS FE software is used, with a “micro-modelling” approach to represent both units and mortar, utilising the “Craft” concrete cracking and crushing material model, Full details of FE models, including the selection of material parameters, are set out in the thesis Compressive, flexural and shear strengths calculated from the FE analyses are significantly higher than those obtained from the current British Standard (BS5628- 1:2005). However compressive strengths correlate well with those obtained from BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 and flexural strengths correlate well with available test results, High shear strengths from the FE analyses might be indicative of conservatism in the design standards, but could alternatively indicate a limitation of the analysis, since adhesive failure was neglected For predominantly flexural applications (assuming good adhesion) thin joint panels seem to act as ‘mechar lly monolithic’ slabs. For such a stress field, macro-modelling with homogeneous material based on the block properties alone may be a suitable approach. Adh ive strength between mortar and units (both parallel and perpendicular to the boundary) may require further investigation To enable an extensive parametric FE analysis programme to be carried out for thin joint panels, it is identified that it would be most beneficial to obtain test data for tensile strength and Young’s modulus of both units and mortar, in addition to the compressive strengths which are commonly available.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to place on record my thanks to Dr Fried and Dr Disney at the University of, Surrey for inspiration, encouragement and support. Lam indebted to LUSAS (FEA Ltd) for providing a copy of their software, enabling this, study to be undertaken. I would also like to thank my former colleagues at LUSAS for their contribution to my analytical understanding and my supervisors over the years at LUSAS, Benaim & Mouchel for supporting my development and MSc programme of, work ‘Mum, Dad and Sue, your support still makes the difference. Finally, I dedicate this work to Becky, Edward and Daniel who have gone without a husband and father for many too many weekends.