Simulating The Failure Of Masonry Structure Subjected To Support Settlement With The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

Masonry structures are usually constructed from individual blocks and are highly discontinuous and non-linear in nature.Therefore,it is very difficult to use the traditional finite element method to simulate their destructive behavior.In this paper,Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method(FDEM)is used to analyze the failure of dry-jointed masonry wall under support movement.By adding finite element meshes to discrete elements,the deformation of blocks and their interactions can be accurately predicted.Numerical examples show that FDEM can simulate wall collapse well.A FDEM model of typical masonry flat wall was established and sensitivity analysis was carried out on this basis.The influences of lintel form of masonry wall entrance,brick size and missing Angle,brick placement,door and window opening size on the maximum settlement of the support are mainly studied.In addition,the bond fracture model is also used to consider the possible impact of block breakage.The results show that FDEM can effectively simulate the failure of masonry structures under support movement,and is an effective tool to analyze the failure mechanism of masonry structures.Through the parameter analysis of typical masonry wall,it is found that straight girder lintel can bear bearing movement better.The size and Angle of brick,brick placement will affect the maximum settlement of the support.The maximum settlement of the support is more sensitive to the hole size of the window for different sizes of doors and Windows.Further simulation considering floor load and block failure shows that the presence of floor pressure may increase the settlement capacity of bearings at small loads.However,with the further increase of the floor load,the supporting settlement capacity of the wall will be significantly reduced.Once the block fracture damage occurs,the structure collapses rapidly and the support settlement is very small.