Comparative Seismic Performance Evaluation of Masonry Walls Using Equivalent Diagonal Strut and Shell Element Models

This study compares the seismic response of masonry wall modeled using the equivalent diagonal strut and shell element approaches. Fully infilled frames and frames with opening were evaluated under seismic loading. The shell element model predicted consistently larger roof displacement and interstory deviation than the equivalent diagonal strut model, with increases ranging from 27% to 79% for roof displacement and 27% to 91% for second-story deviation. Frames with opening exhibited 23-26% greater roof displacement and 25-27% higher interstory deviation than fully infilled frames because of reduced stiffness. In addition, the shell element model predicted 6-10% higher base shear capacity than the equivalent diagonal strut model. These results demonstrate that the shell element model captures frame-infill interaction and deformation better, providing a more realistic representation of seismic behavior.