Computational Modeling of Masonry Structures Using the Discrete Element Method

Sarhosis, Vasilis

doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-0231-9

Cited by 54 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…For these reasons, computational methods for the structural assessment of laterally loaded masonry walls have been proposed in literature, which are not based on the no-tension model. Among these, we can cite number of Finite Element methods (FEM) applied to homogenized limit analysis [22,23], classic rigid blocks models [24][25][26], the Discrete Element Method (DEM) [27,28], the Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics (NSCD) method [29,30] and combined FEM/DEM methods [31]. Many of these methods are often computationally expensive, their practical application requires skilled users and, in some cases, the definition of a yield line pattern, which is a priori unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A fast and general upper-bound limit analysis approach for out-of-plane loaded masonry walls

et al. 2017

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A new general approach for the limit analysis of out-of-plane loaded masonry walls based on an upper bound formulation is presented. A given masonry wall of generic form presenting openings of arbitrary shape is described through its Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) representation in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. A lattice of nodes is defined in the parameters space together with possible fracture lines. An initial set of rigid elements initially subdividing the original wall geometry is identified accordingly. A homogenized upper bound limit analysis formulation, which takes into account the main characteristics of masonry material such as very low resistance in traction and anisotropic behavior is deduced. Moreover the effect of vertical loads and membrane stresses is considered, assuming internal dissipation allowed exclusively along element edges. A number of technically meaningful examples prove that a good estimate of the collapse load multiplier is obtained, provided that the initial net of yield lines is suitably adjusted by means of a meta-heuristic approach (i.e. a Genetic Algorithm, GA) in order to enforce that element edges accurately represent the actual failure mechanism

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A fast and general upper-bound limit analysis approach for out-of-plane loaded masonry walls

et al. 2017

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“…It may be highlighted that a penalty approach is not followed by the adopted interface FEs [76] to phenomenologically represent the behaviour of masonry crushing. Such strategy is usually adopted in discrete element models [3,4], or advanced FE software's able to model discrete rigid bodies (e.g. [77]), to guarantee an appropriate physical contact between units.…”

Section: Application: English-bond Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Advanced computational methodologies are being developed and constitute important tools for the analysis of masonry structures [2]. Approaches such as the discrete element method are quite accurate for the study of dry or weak mortar masonry structures and examples of its application can be seen in [3,4]. These follow a large deformations formulation and with a contact updating between block units, which can be rather rigid or deformable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Derivation of the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry through homogenization strategies: Micro-scale level

Silva

Lourenço

2018

Computers & Structures

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Two simple and reliable homogenized models are presented for the characterization of the masonry behaviour via a representative volume element (RVE) defined at a structural level. An FE micro-modelling approach within a plate formulation assumption (Kirchhoff-Love and Mindlin-Reissner theory) using Cauchy continuum hypotheses and first-order homogenization theory is adopted. Brick units are considered elastic and modelled through quadrilateral finite elements (FEs) with linear interpolation. Mortar joints are assumed to be inelastic and reduced to zero-thickness interface FEs. A multi-surface plasticity model governs the strength envelope of mortar joints. It can reproduce fracture, frictional slip and crushing along the interface elements, hence making possible the prediction of a stepped, toothed or de-bonding failure pattern of masonry. Validation tests on the homogenized procedures are undertaken to conclude on the correct identification of the elastic stiffness properties, in the ability to reproduce the masonry orthotropic behaviour and the effect of potential pre-compressive states. Furthermore, the approaches are extended to characterize a case study of an English-bond masonry wall. Both the validation and application steps provide excellent results when compared with available experimental and numerical data from the literature. Conclusions on the influence of threedimensional shear stresses and the effect of potential discontinuities along the thickness direction are also outlined. The two homogenized approaches are, for the running-and English-bond masonry cases, integrated within a FE code. By providing reliable and low computational cost solutions', these are particularly suitable to be combined within multi-scale approaches.

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“…Those generally comprise analytical models, [14][15][16][17] homogeneous and discontinuous finite element models, [18][19][20][21] macroelement models, [22][23][24] as well as applied, distinct element and nonsmooth contact dynamics models. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Multistep models and CAD tools based on macromodeling approaches have been also proposed. 5,34 Among these methods, discontinuous modeling approaches appear to be particularly suitable for the analysis of the local collapse mechanisms, mainly thanks to the discretization and formulations adopted, which allow the activation and evolution of the mechanisms to be followed closely and without a-priori assumptions, making them adapted to the assessment methods included in the standards.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A variational rigid‐block modeling approach to nonlinear elastic and kinematic analysis of failure mechanisms in historic masonry structures subjected to lateral loads

Portioli

Godio

Calderini

et al. 2021

Earthq Engng Struct Dyn

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Displacement-based methods contained in recent standards for seismic safety assessment require the determination of the full nonlinear pushover curve for local failure mechanisms in historic masonry structures. This curve should reflect both the initial elastic behavior and the rigid body behavior after the activation of rocking. In this work, a rigid block model is proposed for the displacement-based seismic assessment of local collapse mechanisms of these structures. Masonry is modeled as an assemblage of two-dimensional rigid blocks in contact through frictional interfaces. Two types of contact models are formulated to capture, respectively, the pre and postpeak branches of the pushover curve: a unilateral elastic contact model, capturing the initial nonlinear behavior up to the force capacity of the structure, corresponding to the activation of the collapse mechanism, and a rigid contact model with finite friction and compressive strength, which describes the rigid-body rocking behavior up to the attainment of the displacement capacity of the structure. Tension-only elements are also implemented to model strengthening interventions with tie-rods. The contact problems associated with the elastic and rigid contact models are formulated using mathematical programming. For both models, a sequential solution procedure is implemented to capture the variation of the load multiplier with the increasing deformation of the structure (P-Δ effect). The accuracy of the modeling approach in reproducing the pushover curve of masonry panels subjected to horizontal seismic loads is evaluated on selected case studies. The solution is first tested against hand calculations, existing analytical models, and distinct element simulations. Then, comparisons against experimental tests follow. As a final application, the failure mechanism and pushover curve of a triumphal masonry arch are predicted by the model and its seismic assessment is performed according to codified force-and displacement-based methods, demonstrating the adequacy of the proposed tool for practice.This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Computational Modeling of Masonry Structures Using the Discrete Element Method

Cited by 54 publications

References 63 publications

A fast and general upper-bound limit analysis approach for out-of-plane loaded masonry walls

A fast and general upper-bound limit analysis approach for out-of-plane loaded masonry walls

Derivation of the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry through homogenization strategies: Micro-scale level

A variational rigid‐block modeling approach to nonlinear elastic and kinematic analysis of failure mechanisms in historic masonry structures subjected to lateral loads

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