This study focuses on domes the ground plan of which, instead more common circular shape, is an oval, and aims at finding minimally necessary uniform wall thickness for different geometries loaded by their selfweight. The discrete element code 3DEC was applied because its capability simulating collapse mechanisms masonry structures. Results minimal thickness, corresponding volume failure dome are presented. Three ranges friction coefficient were found. For very low frictional resistance...

The paper addresses the question of whether number particles in a noncemented granular assembly will affect mechanical characteristics assembly: its strength and stiffness. is answered by applying discrete element method to assemblies different sizes. To isolate effect size, apart from scatter that usually accompanies such simulations, multiple were tested. two-dimensional had nearly identical initial porosities fabrics, they all loaded biaxial compression. Two boundaries tested: periodic...

This paper focuses on the discrete expression of stress tensors assemblies containing particles with volumetric loads acting them in addition to boundary forces. Instead concept continuum point, a domain finite number grains is considered. replaced by suitably chosen equivalent whose average expressed—assuming that are equilibrium—in terms contact forces and properly defined branch vectors. Symmetry tensor also analyzed.

The paper presents a definition of particle rolling for the interactions two and three-dimensional particles arbitrary shape, in case infinitesimal translations rotations. is based on purely kinematical analysis, it shown to satisfy objectivity condition.

Abstract Increasing interest has recently been devoted to interlocking blocks/interfaces capable enhance the sliding resistance of masonry joints external forces. In this framework, paper deals with assessment torsion-shear capacity contact interface between lock and main body an block, assumed have a cohesive behaviour. The block is rigid unit which, on its faces, square cuboidal locks keeping adjacent/overlapped blocks together preventing from sliding. Two numerical approaches novel ad hoc...

This study focuses on an old but still unresolved problem of automatically calibrating the constitutive parameters discrete element models. Instead troublesome and time-consuming manual trial-and-error method, which is typical today, authors suggest using artificial intelligence techniques. A masonry arch analysed, whose experimental static load–displacement behaviour known from literature. An attempt made to match this with models, through finding appropriate quantitative values for...

The presented research focuses on masonry shells with dry (cohesionless) contacts. In the mechanical analysis of such structures, material is often assumed to have zero resistance tension. This simplification can be questioned in light fact that due frictional between layers compressed each other, significant tension carried perpendicularly direction compression. effect so considerable typical orange-slice cracking domes prevented purely by choosing a suitable brick shape and bond pattern....

Bond patterns influence responses of masonry barrel vaults to mechanical loads. In this research, the discrete element method (DEM) was applied investigate how bond affect static load bearing capacity under vertical The two most widely-used (transverse and longitudinal) were studied. Using a commercial DEM software, 3DEC, with different angles embrace prepared according both patterns, then loaded in three alternative ways until failure. failure loads recorded, compared for each overall...

Blocky rock and stone structures (such as jointed rocks mass, masonry railway ballast) are often submitted to dynamic effects. Their mechanical behaviour can be simulated with the discrete element method (DEM) using polyhedral elements. DEM models differ in how they compute contact forces. Several studies have compared different constitutive laws, but little information is available literature on which treatment (i.e. number of contacts between two elements, detection, orientation, area...

The paper presents a definition of rolling between pair two-dimensional or three-dimensional particles with compliant contact. movement is based upon the shapes objects' surfaces as described differential geometry. A pseudoinverse surface curvatures used for producing vector that tangent to two objects at their Matrix expressions are presented efficient computation vector. objective and independent reference points track particle motions. applied in discrete element method simulation...

The paper presents discrete element simulations of the in-plane horizontal shear planar walls having different bond patterns. aim analysis was to decide whether resistance could be improved by applying patterns containing vertical bricks. results show that presence bricks increases in case low confining load only, and length-to-height ratio wall also significantly affects resistance.