Abstract:
To predict the structural behaviour of ancient stone masonry walls is still a challenging task
due to their strong heterogeneity. A rubble-stone masonry modeling methodology using a 2D particle
model (2D-PM), based on the discrete element method is proposed given its ability to predict crack
propagation by taking directly into account the material structure at the grain scale. Rubble-stone
(ancient) masonry walls tested experimentally under uniaxial compression loading conditions are
numerically evaluated. The stone masonry numerical models are generated from a close mapping
process of the stone units and of the mortar surfaces. A calibration procedure for the stone-stone
and mortar-mortar contacts based on experimental data is presented. The numerical studies show
that the 2D-PM wall models can predict the formation and propagation of cracks, the initial stiffness
and the maximum load obtained experimentally in traditional stone masonry walls. To reduce
the simulation times, it is shown that the wall lateral numerical model adopting a coarser mortar
discretization is a viable option for these walls. The mortar behaviour under compression with lateral
confinement is identified as an important micro-parameter, that influences the peak strength and the
ductility of rubble-masonry walls under uniaxial loading.
