A Rigid Block Model with Cracking Units for Limit Analysis of Masonry Walls subject to In-Plane Loads

In this paper, a rigid block model with cracking units for the limit analysis of masonry structures is presented. A simplified micro-modelling approach is adopted, based on the discretization of the single masonry unit into multiple blocks separated by cohesive contacts. Failure modes, which may occur at mortar and mortar-unit interfaces as well as in the masonry unit itself, involve crushing, cracking and sliding. The modelling approach is validated against a literature case study of unconfined masonry panel, whose collapse mechanism involves cracking of units. To show the accuracy of the proposed modelling approach, the obtained results of the analysis are compared with experimental tests and with the outcomes of other modelling approaches used in the literature.