Numerical analysis of the mechanical behavior under seismic loading of discrete element structures: application to 3d fractured rock masses, and large stone course buildings

Abstract eng:
Discrete element models have been extensively used, in 2D, in rock mechanics since the 1970’s. For modeling masonry buildings in 3D, their application is more recent. This is mainly because of the often complex 3D geometry of the individual blocks composing the masonry: a complexity which has to be taken into account. The same complexity in 3D can be considered in rock mechanics problems. We propose to illustrate the influence of an accurate, and hopefully representative, 3D geometry of individual blocks, on the global behavior under a seismic loading of several structures. We will first present the cases of stone arches, as an academic example. We will then detail the behavior of two Roman masonry arched structures: the Julian Bridge and the Arles aqueduct. A last case study of masonry will present the analysis of the behavior of a classical brick house with a particular emphasis on the influence of the bricks and beams disposition, the presence of openings, the care given to the interlocking of the brick pattern on the angles of the building. Finally the analysis of the stability of a rock mass slope is presented, showing the capabilities of the NSCD method to cope with thousands of simultaneous contacts, under dynamic loadings.

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