Analysis of the influence of tensile strength on the stability of eccentrically compressed slender unreinforced masonry walls under lateral loads

A comprehensive finite element model is presented for the combined material and geometric nonlinear analysis of slender unreinforced masonry walls, with the capability of capturing postcracking and postbuckling behavior. Material tensile strength is taken into consideration; an exponential stress-strain relationship is adopted for the compressive region and its smooth linear extension is used for the tensile region. This model is applicable under different load combinations (concentrated and distributed lateral loads, vertical load with eccentricity, as well as self-weight) and different restraint conditions. Numerical results of the model show good agreement with experimental results, as well as with analytical results in published technical papers.