Numerical methods for slender masonry structures: a comparative study.

This paper is devoted to comparing two numerical approaches for modelling the dynamic behaviour of masonry structures. It presents the constitutive equation of masonry-like materials with bounded compressive strength and addresses the dynamic problem for both three-dimensional bodies and one-dimensional structures. The numerical methods implemented in the codes NOSA-ITACA and MADY, respectively for three and one-dimensional structures, are outlined. With the aim of comparing the two numerical procedures, a masonry tower with rectangular cross-section is analised. The structure is subjected to its own weight and an accelerogram recorded during a real earthquake. This comparison has emphasised the importance of employing accurate constitutive models when analysing masonry structures.