Discrete and Finite Element Models for the Analysis of Unreinforced and Partially Reinforced Masonry Arches

In this work the behavior of masonry arches, without reinforcement and with partial reinforcement, is investigated by means of three different numerical models. The first one is a Discrete Element model based on rigid blocks, and elastic-plastic interfaces; the second one is a standard heterogeneous Finite Element Model, which is adopted for a detailed micro-modelling of arch voussoirs, joints, and reinforcements. The third model is analytic-numerical, and it is adopted for validating the other numerical results. The aim of the work is the comparison and validation of the numerical Finite and Discrete Element models for the correct simulation of masonry arch behavior, together with the evaluation of the effectiveness of these models in simulating the behavior of the partially reinforced arch.