The discrete element method (DEM) originally applied to the study of jointed rock masses was quickly adapted and generalized to other studies, suchas the structural behaviour of masonry bridges. This method is well-suited for the representation of predominantly block-discrete structures. The existing formulae consider blocks, rigid or deformable, or rigid particles.To enlarge its domain of application a rigid mixed plane model of discrete elements was developed, including both blocks and particles. This makes it possible to analyse a masonry arch bridge, modelling the arch and the spandrel walls with blocks and the fill with particles. This model follows the classic specification of the DEM, introducing some new concepts, namely, the definition of a new type of contact and the generation of the mesh of particles. The developed 2D algorithm allows the determination of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the structure, which is useful to calibratethe numerical model. The application of the mixed discrete element methodto the quasi-static analysis of structures is specially indicated for thecalculation of the bearing capacity and respective collapse mode of masonry arch bridges, and an example of this type is presented. For the covering abstract see ITRD E139491.
Abstract