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Discrete Element Modelling of Masonry Arch Bridges, Arches and Vaults

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From Corbel Arches to Double Curvature Vaults

Part of the book series: Research for Development ((REDE))

Abstract

Discrete element models provide a numerical representation of masonry structures as an assembly of discrete units interacting along joints. The essential concepts of this numerical method are presented herein, namely the choice of rigid or deformable blocks for the units, the assumptions governing contact mechanics, and the solution algorithms. The application of discrete element to masonry arches and vaults is discussed and illustrated with various examples. Practical application issues are examined by means of simple arch models, considering static and dynamic loads.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Lisbon, Portugal

    José V. Lemos

  2. Engineering Department, Roma Tre University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146, Rome, Italy

    Francesca Gobbin

  3. Department of Structural Mechanics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary

    Tamás Forgács

  4. School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

    Vasilis Sarhosis

Authors
  1. José V. Lemos
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  2. Francesca Gobbin
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  3. Tamás Forgács
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  4. Vasilis Sarhosis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to José V. Lemos .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy

    Gabriele Milani

  2. University of Leeds, School of Civil Engineering, Leeds, UK

    Vasilis Sarhosis

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Lemos, J.V., Gobbin, F., Forgács, T., Sarhosis, V. (2022). Discrete Element Modelling of Masonry Arch Bridges, Arches and Vaults. In: Milani, G., Sarhosis, V. (eds) From Corbel Arches to Double Curvature Vaults. Research for Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12873-8_9

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