Parallelized finite element modelling of unreinforced concrete masonry infills bounded by reinforced concrete (RC) frames

This paper presents the implementation of a new parallelized finite element technique for modelling the in-plane behaviour of concrete masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames using the disturbed stress field method (DSFM). The new technique, referred to as the vectorized and parallelized finite element method (VPFEM), was developed with a key feature of significantly accelerating finite element model run speed using parallel computing algorithms. In this paper, the DSFM modelling details and its implementation in the VPFEM are presented. The iterative analysis required by the DSFM was performed using parallel computing techniques to achieve acceleration using graphical processing units (CPUs). A comparison with experimental results shows that the DSFM is able to accurately predict the behaviour, ultimate load, and cracking pattern of masonry infilled RC frames. The run speed acceleration achieved by the VPFEM when implemented on GPUs is demonstrated to be significant.