Comparative analysis on macroscale material models for the prediction of masonry in-plane behavior

Simulating the mechanical behavior of masonry structures with reasonable approximation using numerical models is a complex issue, mainly due to the uncertainties affecting the selection of mechanical parameters. Since destructive testing is in some cases impossible, the Italian building code provides ranges for the parameters based on masonry type to be used in numerical and analytical estimations of the capacity curves of masonry panels, suggesting the Equivalent Frame Method approach for the numerical modelling. In this paper, the application of these ranges to three more sophisticated material descriptions to be used in 3D representations (i.e. Double Drucker Prager, Total strain crack and Concrete damage plasticity models) is investigated, with reference to a heterogeneous set of experimental tests performed in the past. In particular, numerical, analytical and experimental results are compared with the aim, on the one hand, of examining the suitability of such ranges when a macroscale approach is adopted, while, on the other, investigating their capability in predicting the real behavior of masonry structures. The comparisons are performed in terms of failure mode, initial stiffness, maximum horizontal load and ultimate drift. The results provide a critical appraisal of the predictive capability of the considered models. They also show that the application of material parameter ranges based on typological features to numerical models may be problematic and entails a limited improvement in the predictions compared to the analytical formulations.