W. Lin¹, X. Liu², Y. Chen³, and X. Zhang⁴

1. Director, Chongqing Research Institute of Building Science, Chongqing, P.R.China 400015
2. Professor, Logistical Engineering University, Chongqing, P.R.China 400041
3. Engineer, Chongqing Research Institute of Building Science, Chongqing, P.R.China 400015
4. Engineer, Chongqing Research Institute of Building Science, Chongqing, P.R.China 400015

ABSTRACT

Based on previous research, an experimental method was developed to determine stress distributions in the longitudinal and transverse brick walls under an overhanging beam. 12 brick wall panels were tested under an overhanging beam in different conditions. Experimental results of the stress distributions in the longitudinal and transverse brick walls were obtained. The influence of the length of longitudinal wall and the height of ring beam on the load carried by the longitudinal wall was investigated. Finite element analysis was conducted. The technology of artificial neuron network was used for the analysis. A computer model was developed to investigate the various influences on the load carried by the longitudinal wall. The experimental and numerical results indicate that contributions of the longitudinal wall to share the load applied to the transverse wall should be taken into account in our design work. In design, the appropriate measure should be used to strengthen the connection of the longitudinal-transverse walls, otherwise, the connection might easily be broken, which will result in losing the contributions of the longitudinal wall to bear the load.

KEYWORDS: Overhanging Beam, Brick Wall, Stress Distribution, Finite Element Analysis.

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