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The final authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-023-01744-5., Predicting the seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) structural systems is a complex task, given various inherent sources of uncertainty associated with material properties, geometry, and boundary conditions. As the selection of computational strategies is a trade-off between prediction accuracy and computational cost, it is often challenging to find a consensus. To this end, this study presents three computational modeling strategies that can be used in the seismic analysis of URM structures. The first two approaches utilize the discrete element method (DEM) and are based on pre-defined macro-block mechanisms, whereas the third approach makes use of the computational thrust line analysis (CTLA). Such methods provide accurate predictions on the in-plane lateral load-carrying capacity of URM pier-spandrel structures with a reasonable computational cost and fewer input parameters, making them efficient compared to detailed numerical models. The results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data on two full-scale pier-spandrel systems with either timber lintel or shallow arch above a central opening. This study also provides a detailed comparison of the applied methods and suggests multi-level use of proposed modeling strategies for better informed decision-making, starting from the most simplified method (CTLA) towards the advanced solutions as more information is collected., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

The final authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40571-022-00493-7, This research explores the mechanical behavior of dry-joint masonry subjected to combined shear–torsion–bending loading via the discrete element method (DEM), which has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. It also aims to shed light on the accuracy and effectiveness of DEM simulations when the unit–mortar-interfaces are exposed to complex loading scenarios. Throughout this study, the masonry walls are represented as a system of rigid blocks that can mechanically interact with each other via contact points. The proposed modeling strategy is validated against recent experimental findings, and parametric analyses are performed considering the number of contact points and the stiffness. The results reveal that discrete element models can provide accurate predictions when sufficient numbers of contact points are defined on the contact plane. Thus, the required number of contact points to be utilized in the DEM-based simulations is suggested. Furthermore, the dependency of the results on the contact stiffness values, which are associated with vertical pressure, is demonstrated. Tailoring the models based on the suggested discretization ensures capturing the sophisticated stress distributions developing at the joints in masonry structures accurately., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)