Computational limit analysis of masonry panels with cracking units using rigid block modelling

A rigid block model taking into account failure of the units and cohesive behaviour of the joints was developed for computational limit analysis of masonry panels. Masonry units are discretized into triangular rigid blocks separated by contact interfaces. Tensionless contact interfaces are used to model dry joints and cohesive contacts are introduced for mortared joints and internal unit interfaces. Failure mechanisms of masonry which are taken into account by the implemented model include: joint tension cracking and slip, unit direct and diagonal tension crack, masonry crushing. The limit analysis problem is formulated in terms of iterative linear programming. Results of a validation study carried out against shear wall panels from the literature as well as comparison with other limit analysis formulations are presented.