Comportamento sismico de estruturas compostas por blocos de alvenaria utilizando o metodo dos elementos discretos

The seismic behaviour of structures composed by masonry blocks is analysed in this dissertation using the Discrete Element Method. The fundamentals of the method, as embodied in existing codes, are presented. Its suitability for the analysis of blocky masonry structures is examined by means of static and dynamic analyses of some simple structural components as well as some real stone and brick masonry structures. The proposed methodology allows, on one hand the modelling of the response up to stages of collapse corresponding to large displacements and highly geometrical non-linear behaviour, and on the other hand the modelling of the physically non linear behaviour of both the structural blocks and their interfaces, the identification of failure patterns and the control of internal stresses and deformations as a function of the seismic input. The most important damage indices, currently used for different types of structures, made mainly of reinforced concrete and steel, are briefly reviewed and possible damage indicators for un reinforced masonry structures are analysed. Their application to blocky masonry structures is discussed. The application of different reinforcing schemes using either steel bars or cables or innovative new materials, such as Shape Memory Alloy materials to masonry structures is presented and their effectiveness is analysedAvailable from Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, Servico de Informacao e Documentacao, Av. D. Carlos I, 126, 1249-074 Lisboa, Portugal / FCT - Fundação para o Ciência e a TecnologiaSIGLEPTPortuga