Title: Rigid block models for masonry structures

Authors: Maurizio Angelillo; Antonio Fortunato; Antonio Gesualdo; Antonino Iannuzzo; Giulio Zuccaro

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano (Sa) 84084, Italy ' Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano (Sa) 84084, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, Napoli 80125, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, Napoli 80125, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, Napoli 80125, Italy

Abstract: Masonry structural modelling needs of a completely different methodology from the ones adopted for ductile structures. In fact, the concepts of strength, stiffness and elastic stability, fundamental for the latter structures, play a marginal role in masonry mechanics. In this respect, Heyman's theory, gives a modern turn to the old methods of masonry design, adopting a set of very simple and clear mechanical hypotheses. In these papers, the basic ingredients of a new method based on unilateral equilibrium and rigid block kinematics, which may allow the implementation of Heyman's model for masonry on a computer, is introduced. In particular a simple method based on energy minimisation, with the possibility of combining the effects of loads and settlements on real masonry structures, is developed.

Keywords: masonry structures; unilateral constraints; unilateral materials; multi-body structures; contact and friction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2018.095701

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2018 Vol.3 No.4, pp.349 - 368

Received: 18 May 2017
Accepted: 14 Nov 2017
Published online: 17 Oct 2018 *

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