Modeling masonry structures through rigid blocks and interfaces

A discrete model for masonry structures based on rigid bodies and no-tensile, frictional interfaces has been developed and implemented. Structures may have a ‘natural’ discretization into stone blocks (or bricks) joined by mortar layers, or may be suitably discretized by introducing ideal interfaces. A semicircular arch and a rectangular wall are analyzed and the numerical results are compared to theoretical and experimental ones in the literature. Some perspective on the homogenization of the discrete model and its use for multiscale concurrent simulations is also given.