Analysis of masonry structures under static and dynamic loading by discrete finite element method

Abstract

A technique based on the principles of finite element method incorporating the contact element, called discrete finite element method (DFEM), to model masonry structures consisting of blocks of arbitrary shapes is developed and adopted in the static and dynamic analyses of masonry structures. The DFEM considers blocks as sub-domains and represents them by solid elements. Contact elements, which are far-superior to joint or interface elements, are used to model the block interactions such as sliding or separation. The applicability of the DFEM to static and dynamic analyses of structures such as towers, walls and arches of masonry type are checked and discussed.