Numerical study on the dynamic behavior of masonry columns and arches on buttresses with the discrete element method

Earthquakes represent one of the major threats to the stability of the world architectural heritage, which is mostly constituted by unreinforced masonry (URM) structures. The dynamic behavior of these structures is complex and highly non-linear, as it involves sliding and rocking of the component blocks. As a result, numerical modeling seems to be the most appropriate predictive approach and, in particular, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has recently emerged as a very promising tool for this purpose. Although multi-drum columns and arches on buttresses are typical components of historic URM structures, their modeling with the DEM has been the subject of relatively limited research. Moreover, a set of input parameters is required for the definition of the numerical model and, due to the uncertainty and difficulty in their experimental evaluation, these parameters are usually set in an arbitrary way.In this paper, a systematic parametric study based on the DEM is adopted to evaluate the dynamic behavior and resistance of multi-drum columns and arches on buttresses subjected to two different base motions, i.e. step and harmonic impulses. A detailed investigation on failure domains and modes of collapse is presented. The main features of the dynamic response of masonry structures and the sensitivity of the response to changes in the excitation, geometry and mechanical parameters are discussed.

► We model the dynamic response of masonry structures with the discrete element method.
► The impulse duration deeply influences the structural response.
► The sensitivity of the response to several mechanical parameters is evaluated.
► Harmonic impulses are more threatening than step ones.
► The size-effect law of the rocking block is applicable to complex multi-block structures.