A safety method in static analysis of block masonry

Many difficulties arise in defining reliable methods of analysis for historical masonry structures. In this paper we are interested in overcoming these difficulties by working with simple models based only on a few very stable parameters, proved that they could generally be used with safety, and we refer to the class of dry block masonry structures with unilateral and frictional constraints. The setting up of a safe rigid-plastic model which also accounts for irregularities both of the shape and the laying of real masonry structures is herein proposed in order to treat these frictional materials within the framework of the standard limit analysis. A simple model related to a particular class of masonry wall, subjected to in-plane traction forces, is here analysed.