Application of damage model for analysis of masonry structures

Abstract

The predictive modelling of the masonry structures behaviour, in the non-linear range represents a challenge due to their semi-discrete and composite nature. An adequate computational model should include the fundamental mechanisms that characterize the masonry behaviour at failure. This paper present the application of a damage model, based on the finite elements method, to simulate the ultimate response and the mode of failure of different masonry structures. To take into account the mechanical properties degradation, a damage variable is introduced in the constitutive law of the material.