ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the in-plane behaviour of a wall made up of ashlar stones with a complex geometry. It investigates the behaviour against horizontal forces applied at the top of the walls by means of the analysis method to Distinct Elements (DEM) considering simply contact laws and modelling the different ashlars as rigid block. DEM in modelling the behaviour of discontinuous environments is suitable for blocky structures analysis. In DEM a solid is represented as an assembly of discrete blocks, and the joints are modelled as interface elements between distinct bodies. The chapter focuses on the investigation of masonry walls behaviour under vertical and lateral loads by mean of DEM using universal discrete element code software. It shows how the behaviour of masonry walls subjected to shear forces varies as the geometry of the single ashlar varies. Masonry structures are at risk of failure under lateral earthquake forces due to their weakness in flexibility and shear strength.
