Author(s)

E.A.W. Maunder

Abstract

Limit analysis of masonry structures based on discrete elements E.A.W. Maunder School of Engineering, University of Exeter, Ezefer E%4 ^QF, [W ABSTRACT A simple method of analysis is presented for the assessment of limit loads of masonry structures. The analysis is based on the use of discrete elements, and constraints on interface tractions to form a linear programme with load factors as objective functions. Numerical examples are given when the method is applied to a masonry arch to asses its sensitivity to material degradation. INTRODUCTION Comprehensive finite element methods have been developed for masonry arches which enable incremental non-linear elasto-plastic analyses to fol- low behaviour through to collapse e.g. Crisfield [1]. However such methods are computationally expensive, and raise questions concerning the validity of the elasto-plastic assumptions for masonry. Doubts about the wisdom of relying totally on such methods have also been raised by Harvey

Keywords