A concurrent micro/macro FE-model optimized with a limit analysis tool for the assessment of dry-joint masonry structures

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A concurrent micro/macro FE-model optimized with a limit analysis tool for the assessment of dry-joint masonry structures
Journal
International Journal for Multiscale Computational Engineering
Title
A concurrent micro/macro FE-model optimized with a limit analysis tool for the assessment of dry-joint masonry structures
Authors
M. F. Funari, L. C. Silva, N. Savalle, P. B. Lourenço
Date
January 9, 2022
Highlights
  • Numerical simulations of unreinforced masonry structures with dry-joints, from small scale to large scale specimens
  • Concurrent macro-modelling and micro-modelling approaches combined in a single numerical simulation
  • Optimisation through Limit Analysis to divide the structure into linear elastic (macro-modelling) and non-linear (micro-modelling) subdomains
  • Homogenisation of masonry using elastic orthotropic material for the macro-modelling domain. Non-linearities are concentred in masonry dry interfaces through Mohr-Coulomb constitutive law
ABSTRACT

A two-step strategy for the mechanical analysis of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures, either subjected to in- or out-of-plane loading, is presented. At a first step, a semi-automatic digital tool allows the parametric modelling of the structure that, together with an Upper bound limit analysis tool and a heuristic optimisation solver, enables tracking the most prone failure mechanism. At a second step, a coupled concurrent FE model with micro- and macro-scales is assumed. A micro-modelling description of the masonry is allocated to regions within the failure mechanism found in the former step. In converse, the other domain regions are modelled via a macro-approach, whose constitutive response is elastic and orthotropic and formulated through closed-form homogenized-based solutions. The application of the framework is based on non-linear static (pushover) analysis and conducted on three benchmarks: (i) an in-plane loaded URM shear wall; (ii) a U-shaped URM structure; and (iii) a URM church. Results are given in terms of load capacity curves, total displacement fields, and computational running time; and compared against those found with a FE microscopic model and with a limit analysis tool. Lastly, conclusions on the potential of the framework and future research streams are addressed.

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