Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis of Masonry Towers by Adopting the Damage Plasticity Constitutive Model

In this paper the damage plasticity constitutive model, generally used for concrete and other quasi-brittle materials, is adopted for masonry. Constitutive parameters are calibrated by adopting a curve-fitting procedure, on the basis of experimental data available in literature. The damage plasticity constitutive law is adopted in four finite element modelling approaches, characterized by different levels of complexity and simplification. Numerical simulations concern an old masonry tower characterized by a complex geometry, with an helicoidal staircase and multi-leaf walls. The implementation of four different modelling strategies, based on the use of 3D solid or shell finite elements, allows to identify the most efficient one in terms of demand on time and computational costs. For each model eigenvalue, self-weight and non-linear static analyses are carried out, in order to assess both the static and seismic behaviour of the structure.