Abstract

Since a few decades, the Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) method has been adopted by many authors as a reliable tool for the structural assessment of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures. In this paper, through compas_dem and using 3DEC by Itasca as a solver in the background, we investigate the mechanical behaviour of a three-dimensional URM structure combining the effects of foundation displacements and geometrical imperfections. For this purpose, we consider three different models of the above-mentioned structure. The first one is a perfect digital model, while in the other remaining two models, random geometrical imperfections are applied to the perfect model in order to investigate their influence. After post-processing the 3DEC results, the influence of the applied vertical settlement and geometrical imperfections is explored in terms of crack pattern/mechanism, internal stress states, and the thrust exerted on the supports. The aim of this paper is not to find the actual stress state of the highly indeterminate structure, but to investigate the role played by the combined effects of foundation displacement and geometrical imperfections on the internal stress state.