Abstract:
Abstract: Rigid block models are widely used in the analysis of masonry
structures, as they provide a sound and efficient approximation of the observed
behaviour, namely for modelling collapse modes that do not involve the
internal failure of the units. The options available for the numerical
representation of contact in rigid block models are discussed, in particular the
well-known point contact approaches. The accuracy of the various options is
compared for static and dynamical test problems involving bending of columns
and walls. Proposals are made concerning the level of contact discretisation,
namely the number of contacts and weight rules, required for a good model
performance.