This paper incorporates both analytical and experimental investigations of the nonlinear
behavior of unreinforced masonry assemblages, especially curved elements such as arches, vaults
and domes. The conservation of architectural and cultural heritage necessitates going through a
comprehensive scientific procedure of assessment of unreinforced assemblages. Usually, linear
analysis is conducted for simplifying analysis and design of masonry structures. However, such
simplification might underestimate the structural capacity of these constructions in many cases,
and thus the nonlinear analysis gives better description for the actual behavior and capacity of
the structure. The present theoretical study utilizes finite element discretization, using a commercial
nonlinear analysis computer program (ANSYS), which renders the approach easily and efficiently
applicable by a practicing engineer. The adopted solution procedure is explained regarding material
characterization and nonlinear solution parameters.
Also, an experimental study was conducted in order to validate the accuracy of the adopted
modeling and solution procedure by comparison with experimental results. Validation of the model
was also ensured by means of comparison between the calculated numerical results and experimental
results available in the literature. Further, the proposed modeling procedure was applied on
existing historic and contemporary structures to demonstrate the ability of the proposed analysis
to capture the behavior observed in real structures. Applications of the adopted procedure for
design of new masonry constructions demonstrated the applicability of the proposed models in
engineering practice. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are presented.
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