Modelling crack initiation and propagation in masonry using the partition of unity method

A mesoscopic masonry model is presented using the partition of unity finite element method. Joints are only explicitly introduced when a critical stress state is exceeded, resulting in a computationally more efficient procedure when compared to models in which all joints are a priori active. The performance of the presented model is demonstrated...

Three-dimensional modelling of masonry using the partition of unity method

This paper uses the Generalized Finite Element method for the introduction of the cohesive joint behaviour to model masonry. Cracked joints are modelled as displacement discontinuities and are introduced in the finite element model by additional degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom are activated when the stress state in the joint reaches...