TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Numerical Study on Optimizing the Geometry and Location of the Openings in
Masonry Walls using Finite Element Method
AU - Bagheri, Hassan AU - Shabankareh, Amanallah AU - Safi, Mohammad 
JO  - Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
VL  - 12
IS  - 9
SP  - 2402
EP  - 2414
PY  - 2017
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1816-949x
DO  - jeasci.2017.2402.2414
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=jeasci.2017.2402.2414
KW  - finite element method
KW  -masonry walls
KW  -openings
KW  -Numerical study
KW  -element
AB  - Generally, buildings with masonry materials are among the numerous structures in any country due
to ease of implementation, cost effectiveness and availability of their materials. The history of previous
earthquakes shows that if these structures are positioned in the epicenter area of earthquakes >5.5 on the
Richter scale they will at risk of cracking and collapse. Openings in brick buildings have always been
considered as a weakness increasing the probability of collapse in these buildings. Architecture considerations
and operational requirements cannot allow removing this important weakness. Therefore, their presence in
masonry buildings multiples the risks of lateral forces, especially earthquake and necessitates performing more
studies in this regard. This study investigates the behavior of masonry walls with layouts having matrix pattern
for the openings to optimize the appropriate position and geometry for the walls having opening. All numerical
models in this study were developed via. ABAQUS Software under pushover analysis using finite element
method. The correct pattern of positioning the opening at the center of the wall was determined based on the
results obtained. In other words the best position for opening in terms of length and width is at the center of
the wall so that, the center of area of the opening coincides with that of the wall.
ER  -