A New Numerical Approach to the Structural Analysis of Masonry Vaults

The present paper concentrates on the numerical modelling of masonry vaults, adopting a type of analysis first developed at the University of Parma for applied mechanics, based on the use of non-smooth dynamics software, through a Differential Variational Inequalities (DVI) formulation specifically developed for the 3D discrete elements method. It allows to follow large displacements and the opening and closure of cracks in dynamic field, typical of the masonry vaulted structures. Once the modelling instrument was calibrated, thanks to the comparison with the recurrent damage mechanisms previously analysed, it was also applied to foresee the behavior of the same structure with different actions and with different types of strengthening. The development of damage mechanisms, both in quasi-static cases (for insufficient lateral confinement or for possible soil settlements) and in the occurrence of seismic events, make this type of structures very difficult to be modelled precisely with other methods. Given the three-dimensional CAD model of a vault modeled with a great number of masonry units with specific positions and pattern, the method proved to be able to reproduce the behavior of the structure under both static and seismic loads, showing the mechanism of collapse, the network of contact forces, the displacements and other useful data. The aim is to inspect the possible influences in the structural behavior given by the discrete geometry and the changes in the mechanisms development given by different strengthening interventions. Once the modeling instrument will be calibrated, also through the comparison with real cases and with the results obtained through limit analysis, it will be possible to adopt it as a base also for the prevision of the future behavior of the vaults subjected to strengthening, avoiding uncalibrated and uncritical applications of materials based more on trends rather than on a thorough analysis for the specific case