Non-linear static analysis of rigid block models for structural assessment of ancient masonry constructions

This work presents a formulation for non-linear static analysis of rigid block models. The motivation for this proposal is the structural assessment of historical masonry constructions using relatively simplified models and conserving enough accuracy for practical applications. Rigid block models capture appropriately the proneness of masonry to localised cracking and is numerically efficient in the sense of requiring significantly less degrees of freedom compared to, for instance, finite element models. The formulation uses numerical integration at the interfaces between blocks. The constitutive model of interfaces is elastic-perfectly plastic in compression, brittle or quasi-brittle in tension, and includes the Coulomb model for shear failure. A validation process shows that the proposed modelling strategy captures the principal features of the structural behaviour of unreinforced masonry elements and constructions.