The Effects of Double Openings on the Behaviour of Hollow Concrete Blocks Masonry Panels

This work investigated the influence of double openings to the structural performance of hollow concrete block masonry walls. A full-scale experimental masonry wall was constructed and tested. Additionally, simulation modeling was conducted using ABAQUS software, employing the finite element method to validate the experimental results. Findings revealed that larger opening sizes generally resulted in reduced compressive strength of masonry walls. Similarly, increased aspect ratios and edge-positioned openings, as opposed to centrally placed openings, led to further reductions in compressive strength. Furthermore, masonry prism compressive strength exhibited an inverse relationship with the height-to-thickness (h/t) ratio but positively correlated with the length-to-thickness (l/t) ratio. Walls with fixed boundary conditions at the top and bottom displayed the highest strength. Additionally, a strong predictive relationship was established.