Simulation of Brittle Collapse Mechanisms in Historical Masonry Using Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA)

Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA) is known for robust and reliable finite element simulations of masonry constructions, often considered challenging because of the brittle behaviour of the masonry material. Herein a sequence of scaled linear analyses is performed with decreasing secant stiffness of one integration point per analysis,...

A multi-surface interface model for sequentially linear methods to analyse masonry structures

In the finite element modelling of masonry structures, the micro-modelling technique of differentiating the continuum into a linear elastic bulk, and interfaces representing non-linear joints is common. However, this approach of simulating cracking-crushing-shearing failure possibilities in interfaces, typical of damage in masonry, also poses...

Modeling and simulation of quasi-brittle failure with continuous anisotropic stress-based gradient-enhanced damage models

Two anisotropic stress-based gradient-enhanced damage models are proposed to address the issue of spurious damage growth typical of continuous standard gradient-enhanced damage models. Both models are based on a decreasing interaction length upon decreasing stresses and do not require additional model parameters or extra degrees of freedom...

Sequentially linear analysis for simulating brittle failure

The numerical simulation of brittle failure at structural level with nonlinear finite<br/>element analysis (NLFEA) remains a challenge due to robustness issues. We attribute these problems to the dimensions of real-world structures combined with softening behavior and negative tangent stiffness at local level which may lead to non-convergence, i...

Error estimation and adaptive spatial discretisation for quasi-brittle failure

Accuracy of a finite element solution depends greatly on the spatial discretisation of the problem domain. The more refined/enriched discretisation provides better accuracy but also requires more computational cost. For modelling of quasi-brittle failure, the process zone where failure takes place can be very small, thus it is very cost...

The Stress-Strain State and Potential Crack Trajectories in 2D Elastic Brittle Materials from Steady-State Flow Experiments

A steady-state flow method is used to examine micromechanisms of brittle failure in 2D elastic cracked media submitted to uniaxial compressive stress. The steady-state flow experiments were conducted with an incompressible Newtonian fluid in a Hele Shaw cell. Thin linear rubber inclusions were inserted in the cell to model preexisting cracks and...

Crack growth in polyethylene