Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior of Masonry Units and Piles with Artisanal and Industrial Bricks Using FEM

Abstract

This study examines the mechanical behavior of masonry units and prisms built with handcrafted and industrial bricks through experimental testing and numerical modeling using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Axial compression tests were conducted in the laboratory to determine the strength, strain, and elastic modulus of each material type. Experimental results revealed that industrial bricks exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, reaching up to 152.45 kg/cm2 in single units and 94.00 kg/cm2 in prisms, compared to 97.65 kg/cm2 and 24.99 kg/cm2 for handcrafted bricks, respectively. Subsequently, numerical models were calibrated in DIANA FEA, achieving a deviation of less than 3.75% from physical tests. The study also identifies common testing errors, such as excessive initial load or unrecorded early deformations. Findings underscore the importance of regional material characterization and constitutive model adjustment. The study concludes that FEM simulations, when properly calibrated, provide an efficient tool for structural analysis of masonry systems, especially in regions like Cajamarca, where the use of handcrafted bricks remains prevalent