Coupled Limit Analysis and Topological Optimization for Masonry Wall Reinforcement

The paper focuses on the set up of an approach for designing the best distribution of the reinforcement over NT existing structures by means of combined use of tools from topology optimization (TO) and limit analysis (LA). The presented numerical results refer to the specific objective of suitably identifying the most proper placement and shaping of the reinforcement bars in a masonry wall, which can be modelled using the no-tension (NT) assumption.