A computer code for the collapse detection of three-dimensional masonry structures

A computer procedure to perform non-standard limit analysis of three-dimensional block masonry structures with no-tension and frictional interfaces is proposed. This procedure is based on the solution of a non linear and non convex mathematical programming problem. The convergence to the optimal solution is achieved exploiting the solution of a linear programming problem corresponding to a system of blocks with dilatancy in the joints instead of friction. The analyses performed show the effectiveness of the non-standard limit analysis approach for studying the collapse behaviour of real stone masonry structures with many degrees of freedom.