The structural simulation of masonry elements has been traditionally conducted with Finite Element Models (FEM). Studies from the literature show that these models are capable of accurately reproducing the structural behaviour at a micro and macro-scale levels. Despite the good results obtained, the application of FEM implies simplifications regarding the failure modes and the constitutive laws used to represent the behaviour of bricks and mortar, as well as the interface between them.
Alternative methods are available nowadays for the same purpose. An example is the Discrete Element Model (DEM) that is based on a particle-particle interaction. The simple definition of the interactions in the DEM is an advantage for the simulation of masonry elements. The objective of this master thesis is to evaluate the applicability of DEM to simulate the structural behaviour of masonry at a micro and macro-scale level, reproducing the response in terms of deflections, ultimate load and failure modes.
First, a review on the literature about DEM and about its application to the analysis of masonry structures was performed. Then, experimental programs conducted by other authors were selected and taken as a reference. Next, the tests found in these experimental programs were simulated with DEM. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data in order to highlight the accuracy, advantages and drawbacks of this approach. A parametric study was as well conducted to evaluate the sensibility of the results to changes in the input parameters of the model.
Finally, further research proposals are presented in order to explore in a deeper and more extended way the topics presented in this dissertation. It was found that the use of DEM to simulate the structural behaviour of masonry at a micro and macro-scale level, reproducing the response in terms of deflections, ultimate load and failure modes presents quite good results. Good agreement was shown in the description of failure modes and low percentage errors (below 10 %) were found on the computation of the parameters of interest such as strength of the material and maximum resistant load.
