A new hybrid FEM-DEM approach for more realistic evaluation of masonry structures

Abstract

The present work proposes a new hybrid FEM-DEM strategy, which combines the advantages of the classical finite and discrete element methods. The present paper illustrates the capabilities of the hybrid model in reproducing the behavior of  masonry during experimental tests. In this hybrid approach, deformable blocks, managed by a damage model, interact each other through contact joints governed by frictional cohesive behaviors. The main aspect of the numerical results concerns  the ability of this approach in providing realistic prediction of failure mechanisms.