Stress analysis in the masonry arch structures

Masonry arch structures are often encountered in old historical buildings as carrying elements for the vertical loading. Damage to these structures occurs due to the abutment settlement and their load carrying ability is very difficult to define in that stage. An acceptable computational model has to include cracking of the masonry units in direct tension, splitting of the units due to mortar dilatancy at high values of normal stress and sliding in contacts at low values of normal stress between masonry units. In this work we have tried to analyze range of the applicability of common numerical methods for analysis of these complex structures. The observed parameters were: model definition, mechanical constants of constitutive materials, changes in loading and changes in boundary conditions. Conclusions about various analysis methods, required assumptions, modifications, model sensitivity and suggestions for further study are outlined.