Analysis of the Behavior of Bricks Using Finite Elements

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of brick elements depends on the properties of its components. The same ones that can be obtained through experimental tests or with numerical methods, both methodologies provide excellent results. Consequently, the aims of this work to analyze the behavior of bricks by applying the finite element method. For this, a methodology based on the physical, mechanical, chemical properties of fired bricks and ecological was established, with which the mechanical behavior of different geometric sections of the bricks was calibrated and analyzed. As results, the numerical model was calibrated, obtaining maximum stresses and deformations at simple compression of 6.91 MPa, in the G5 form, defined by the Ecuadorian standard INEN 293 as solid brick in a mixture of soil-cement with gypsum; and the maximum flexural resistance is obtained at 1.65 MPa, in the same geometric section in the mix of Catamayo fired brick; concluding that exists a reliability in the results of the computational simulation analysis applied to different mixtures and geometries whose correlation is 0.99.