Seismic behavior of blocky masonry structures

The seismic behavior of structures composed by masonry blocks is analyzed using the discrete element method. Some features of the method are described including the representation of the block deformation, contacts and block interaction. The suitability of the method for the analysis of masonry structures is examined. The seismic behavior of some simple structural systems as well as that of some real structures is studied. It is shown that the method is able to reproduce important phenomena such as crack opening and joint sliding, which are responsible for the occurrence of structural damage and collapse. The collapse patterns of the analyzed structures are examined, reinforcing schemes using steel cables are considered and seismic vulnerability functions are obtained.