Abstract
The use of the combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM) in the analysis of seismic resistance of dry stone lintels is presented in this paper. Seven dry stone masonry walls with different types of stone lintels were exposed to linearly increasing horizontal base acceleration and to seismic excitation. Based on the analysis results, the seismic resistance and failure mechanisms were analysed for each type of lintel. Recommendations for the design of stone lintels, aimed at achieving the greatest possible seismic resistance, were also discussed and presented.
Highlights
Historic buildings, some of which are under protection of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are a common sight in many bigger and smaller towns in Croatia
One of the drawbacks of modelling stone structures with numerical models based on continuum, but without the use of more specific modelling techniques, is the inability to take into account large discontinuities in the displacement field between stone blocks, and the inability to simulate mechanical interaction between multiple stone blocks, which is important for analysing structures exposed to intense seismic load and progressive failure of stone masonry structures
It permits modelling of the interaction at the contact between the blocks, including dry friction and energy loss due to collision of two stone blocks. It permits modelling deformability of stone blocks and, it takes into consideration large displacements and rotations. This method enables accounting for the splitting of stone blocks due to a force that exceeds the strength of material in tension and shear, and this via contact elements implemented between the mesh of finite elements of each block
Summary
Some of which are under protection of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are a common sight in many bigger and smaller towns in Croatia. Numerical models based on the discrete element method have been developed for the analysis of problems involving mechanical interaction between several bodies that may have large rotations and displacements This method, primarily aimed at simulating the sliding and detachment of connected rock masses along predefined crack paths [7], has found its application in the analysis of masonry structures [8,9,10]. These algortihms include, in every time interval, the contact detection and interaction, stress and strain monitoring in the final and contact element, accounting for the appearance and propagation of cracks, integration of time-dependent equations of motion that cover large displacements and rotations and, visualisation of these effects All these favourable properties make the combined finite-discrete element method highly suited for the analyses of stone structures [17, 18]. Recommendations are discussed and propose for the design that would lead to greater seismic resistance of dry stone lintels
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