Sequential linear analysis of no-tension masonry structures

A new application of the elastic no-tension material model is developed through Sequential Linear Analysis (SLA) to analyze masonry structures. The approach has been demonstrated to be more robust compared to incremental analysis procedures. In the SLA framework, the equilibrium state of a masonry-like material is sought through a series of linear elastic analyses. In the loading process, cracking strains are simulated by sequential reduction of the directional stiffness upon violation of the no-tension constraint in terms of principal stresses. Some applications are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method in analyzing masonry structures under the effect of gravity, lateral loading, and ground settlements.