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Combined macro- and micro-modelling approaches for time-efficient and accurate numerical simulations: a new journal article recently published

Combined macro- and micro-modelling approaches for time-efficient and accurate numerical simulations: a new journal article recently published

In the field of masonry, many researchers use numerical approaches to model the behaviour of the whole structure. Classically, there are three different approaches which can be described as:

  • Micro-modelling approaches, where both units and mortar are modelled through finite element models, while interfaces between units and mortar are represented through contact interfaces.
  • Simplified micro-modelling approaches, where only the units are modelled through finite elements. The mortar is modelled through zero-thickness contact interfaces between masonry units.
  • Macro-modelling approaches, where the masonry material is replaced by an equivalent homogeneous material representing both units and mortar.

These approaches are described according to an increasing level of simplification and a decreasing amount of required computational time. Indeed, though macro-modelling approaches are very time-efficient, sometimes they can not accurately represent the actual collapse mechanisms. Therefore, M. F. Funari, L. C. Silva, N. Savalle and P. B. Lourenço recently proposed a concurrent modelling strategy that combines the advantages of both methods. The most vulnerable part of a masonry structure is modelled through a simplified micro-modelling strategy to reach a good accuracy in the behaviour of the structure. On the other hand, the rest uses a macro-modelling approach with an equivalent homogeneous material to reduce computational time. A preliminary step using limit analysis principles gives the information about the most vulnerable part. In particular, they found that using such an approach considerably reduces (-60%) the required amount of time compared to a fully micro-modelling strategy.

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