Author(s)

P. Trovalusci & C. Baggio

Abstract

An optimisation algorithm for the collapse detection of stone masonry structures P. ~rovalusci' & C. ~ a ~ ~ i o ~ I Department of " Ingegneria Stmtturale e Geotecnica", University of Rome "La Sapienza ", Italy. 2 Department of "Progettazione e Scienze dell 'Architettura '#, University of "Roma Tre': Italy. Abstract The paper presents a computer procedure to evaluate the collapse load and the collapse mechanism of three-dimensional structures made of rigid blocks with no-tension and frictional interfaces based on mathematical programming. Using the theorems of non-standard limit analysis, the algorithm searches the minimum statically admissible load factor, which ensures a possible mechanism. The presence of friction makes the problem non-linear and difficult to solve. The possibility to detect the optimal solution using a quasifeasible initial estimate of the unknowns is shown. This is obtained as the solution of a linear programming problem corresponding to a system of blocks with dilatancy

Keywords