Discrete Computational Mechanics of Masonry Structures

This book provides an overview to those most important modern and traditional methods of masonry analysis that are able to capture the discrete internal built-up of masonry structures. Such methods are available in a wide variety today from computational packages based on classical graphical statics techniques through discrete element methods or the most sophisticated no-tension semi-continuum models , and this book reviews their theoretical foundations, as well as their advantages and preferable fields of application, also calling the attention on their limitations so that the reader could build up a critical view of the choices they have when attacking a masonry mechanics problem. The book gives a basis for the readers to become able to develop their own methods, inspired either by classical graphical statics, or by any modern technique they find promising.

Presents the fundaments of Graphic Statics, Limit Analysis and the Discrete Element Method Enables readers to develop their own methods, inspired by classical Graphic Statics & any modern technique Explains why the mechanical behaviour of masonry structures is so different from modern building materials

Contenu
Introduction.- Graphical statics.- Discretised Continuum Approaches: From Continuum to Dis-Continuum.- Thrust Network Analysis for Masonry Assessment.- Discrete element modelling. <p