A macro-modelling finite element technique for the realistic simulation of cracking in masonry structures

Abstract

This paper presents an improved computational model for the analysis of masonry structures based on continuum mechanics finite element approaches. The proposed numerical technique uses a cracktracking algorithm to model the formation of strain localization bands within the discretization domain. This strategy results in two major benefits. First, the representation of the discrete cracks experienced by masonry structural elements is more accurate and consistent with limit analysis, which in turn leads to the realistic prediction of the collapse mechanisms. Second, the numerical solution is mesh-bias independent ensuring the objectivity of the simulation to the direction of the utilized mesh. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is illustrated through the numerical simulation of a selected experimental test on a masonry pier-spandrel system.