ABSTRACT
The potential of the discrete Element Method (dEM) is first verified to assess comparatively the first-order seismic behaviour of arched unreinforced masonry (uRM), under a constant acceleration, combined with the vertical acceleration due to gravity. The limitations of sophisticated analytical modelling and experimental investigations for studying complex masonry structures have increased the use of numerical modelling, such as the dEM. Much of the world's architectural heritage consists of uRM structures whose preservation is a topical subject. Based on the DEM approach, discontinuous bodies can move freely in space and interact reciprocally with contact forces, leading to an automatic updating of contact detection. The mechanical behaviour of the interfaces between blocks is expected to be affected by the friction coefficient, which varies considerably for varying materials and environmental conditions. The dynamic response is evaluated for increasing stiffness-proportional damping, aj, and mass-proportional damping, where results are compared to the reference ones obtained for the undamped structure.
