Prediction of the failure mechanism of arches under base motion using DEM based on the NSCD method Przewidywanie mechanizmów awarii łuków spowodowanych ruchami podłoża za pomocą metody elementów dyskretnych z wykorzystaniem metody NSCD

Abstract Many historic structures are located in regions of signifi -cant seismic activity and are vulnerable to earthquake damage. To assess the safety of these structures, an understanding of the seismic performance of key elements such as masonry arches, vaults and domes is vital. While static stability of masonry arches can be studied analytically using the principles of limit analysis, numerical methods are needed to deal with more complex geometries and/or dynamic load cases. Apromising numerical approach is the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Currently, DEM codes are rather specialised research tools, and further development and validation are needed to con fi rm their suitability. In this paper, the DEM code LMGC90 is used to analyse the responses of arches subjected to dynamic base motions, with the results compared to shaking table experi- REFERENCES [1] Lemos J. (2007) Discrete Element Modelling of Masonry Structures. International Journal of Architectural Heritage 1:2, 190-213.[2] Dubois F. et al. (2011) LMGC90. In: