Shape optimization of strut-and-tie models in masonry buildings subjected to landslide-induced settlements

The first level of the analysis, necessarily quick and relatively superficial, should be extended to all the buildings of the territory under study. The objective is to identify those buildings that require a deeper investigation. In this scenario, models based on classical structural mechanics seem to be difficult to apply for a rapid crack pattern diagnosis. This is why a new approach, based on a simple model (i.e. the Load Path Method, LPM), has been proposed by Palmisano and Elia (2013). However, according to Palmisano and Elia (2013) the LPM is very useful for rapidly searching the 'most plausible solution' instead of the exact solution. To find the solution, optimization algorithms are necessary. In this scenario, this article aims to show how the Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization method by Yang et al. (1999) can be very useful to optimize the strut-and-tie models obtained by using the Load Path Method.