An improved mean-field homogenization model for the three-dimensional elastic properties of masonry (Q2168443)

The authors discuss several mean-field approximations to the overall behaviors of various composite materials having applications to brick masonry. First, the authors determine a representative volume cell (RVE) and consider a boundary value problem for an RVE as a finite domain embedded in an infinite medium. Following a self-consistent method, the authors derive analytical formulas for the elastic constants valid at most for a dispersed composite with dilute RVE inclusions. The second part is devoted to the periodic boundary problems according to the homogenization theory solved by a FEM. The obtained results for two different types of composites (dispersed and periodic) are compared.