A Discrete Element Method based-approach for arched masonry structures under blast loads

Masonry structures are often characterized by complex, non-planar geometries. This is also the case for historical and monumental structures. Here we investigate the dynamic behaviour of non-standard, curvilinear masonry geometries, such as vaults, subjected to blast loading.

We use the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for modelling the dynamic structural response to explosions. The approach allows considering the detailed mechanical and geometrical characteristics of masonry, as well as the inherent coupling between the in- and out-of-plane motion.

The proposed modelling approach is validated with existing experimental tests in the case of planar masonry geometries, walls. The DEM model well captures the dynamic response of the system and the form of failure within the masonry structure.

Then the response of a curved masonry structure subjected to blast loading is investigated. The influence of various micro-mechanical parameters, such as the dilatancy angle, the tensile strength and the cohesion of the masonry joints on the overall dynamic structural response of the system is explored. The effect of the size of the building blocks is also studied.

Finally, the common DEM assumption of rigid blocks is assessed through detailed comparisons with simulations involving deformable blocks.

砖石结构通常以其复杂且非平面的几何形状而著称，此特征亦适用于历史和纪念性建筑。本研究旨在探讨非标准曲线形砖石几何结构，如拱顶，在爆炸载荷作用下的动态行为。本研究采用离散元法（DEM）对爆炸作用下的动态结构响应进行建模。该方法能够充分考虑砖石的详细力学和几何特性，以及平面内外运动之间的固有耦合。所提出的建模方法通过平面砖石几何形状，即墙壁的现有实验测试进行了验证。DEM模型成功捕捉了系统的动态响应以及砖石结构中失效的形式。随后，研究了受爆炸载荷作用的弯曲砖石结构的响应。探讨了各种微观力学参数，如膨胀角、砖石接缝的拉伸强度和凝聚力对系统整体动态结构响应的影响，并研究了建筑块尺寸的影响。最后，通过与涉及可变形块的模拟的详细比较，评估了离散元法中常见的刚性块假设。