A polyhedral approximation of the yield domain for masonry sections

In this paper, the problem of approximating the yield domain of a generic masonry section subjected to a compressive normal force is addressed. The masonry is modelled as a no-tension material with limited strength in compression and the actual yield domain is a surface described by nonlinear functions dependent on the normal force and bending moments. A suitable polyhedral approximation of such a domain is proposed. Since the goal is its use in limit analysis, to assess the practical applicability of the polyhedral domain, the multiplier of collapse loads is estimated for an elementary case study under different loading conditions.