Non-linear dynamic joint selection strategy for hinge controlled masonry arches

Masonry arches are vulnerable to seismic actions. Over the last few years, extensive research has developed strengthening strategies and methods to resist these seismic actions. However, from such studies, it is evident that the application of reinforcement to a masonry arch is done such that its failure limit is transformed from stability to a strength. This direct transformation overlooks the intermittent stages that exist, and thus provides an incomplete picture to the potential behaviors of the system. These intermittent stages can be established through subjecting the arch to hinge control and have shown the potential to increase capacity and control failure, but the computational costs for assessing the nonlinear dynamic behavior of all potential mechanisms is high. This work presents a hinge-joint selection strategy from magnitude variations of short span non-linear dynamic loading through the two-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) based software UDEC. Each voussoir of the arch was represented by a distinct block within the DEM. Mortar joints were modelled as zero thickness interfaces which can open and close. Twenty-five unique configurations of an arch with controlled hinges were developed and each was subjected to short duration seismic velocity profile with varying magnitudes. From this analysis an optimal hinge set with is identified.