ABSTRACT
In this work a finite macroelement model for masonry panels is formulated, taking into account the main damage and dissipative mechanisms that had been observed in real cases and reproduced by means of detailed theoretical models. In particular, overturning phenomena are modelled by a monolateral elastic contact at the two ends of the macroelement, while shear cracking is described through an inelastic strain component that takes into account both damage and friction effects. The overall behaviour of masonry walls with openings is obtained by a suitable assembling of the macroelements used for both piers and architraves. The proposed model is then validated with reference to an example that had been carefully tested.
