Nonlinear finite and discrete element simulations of multi-storey masonry walls

This paper reports the results of different finite and discrete element simulations on a well-known benchmark of an unreinforced plane masonry structure. Namely, the case study concerns a five floor structural wall, located at the interior of a masonry building, situated in “via Martoglio” in the city of Catania (Italy). The numerical simulations aim to investigate the structural response of the wall subjected to seismic actions by means of a non-linear static analyses. The role of reinforced concrete floor beams within URM walls, their influence on the spandrel elements capacity and the approximation that can affect the model, if the concrete beam non linearity is not engaged, are considered. The benchmark is investigated considering three different structural layouts that have been analysed by means of four numerical approaches. The modelling strategies that have been considered are adaptive NURBS kinematic limit analysis, planar discrete macroelements DME, continuum nonlinear FEM methods and a nonlinear FEM micro-modelling. The results are compared in terms of capacity curves and damage mechanism for each structural layout. As a result, pushover curves and damage patterns appear considerably influenced by the concrete floor beams and their mechanical behaviour. All the considered models denote satisfactory agreement in term of strength and collapse mechanisms, some minor differences are observed in terms of global ductility.