Failure analysis of masonry wall panels subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane loading using the discrete element method

This paper aims to evaluate the ability of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to accurately predict the mechanical behavior of modern brickwork and concrete block masonry wall panels subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane loading. The efficiency of the DEM is based on the suitability of the DEM models to predict the development and propagation of cracks up to collapse, the associated stress distributions and the ultimate load carrying capacity of masonry wall panels subjected to external loading. Numerical results are compared with experimental ones obtained from large-scale tests carried out in the laboratory. A good agreement between the numerical and the experimental results were obtained, which confirms the efficiency and robustness of the DEM to simulate the in-plane and out-of-plane non-linear behavior of modern masonry wall panels. Moreover, a collection of verified material parameters is provided to be used by other researchers and engineers to develop reliable computational models and understand the mechanical behavior of masonry structures. Finally, computational results from this study can help prevent engineering failures and provide reference for stakeholders devising strategies for improving risk management and disaster prevention in masonry structures.