Although the issue of the out-of-plane response of unreinforced masonry structures under
earthquake excitation is well known with consensus among the research community, this …

Although widespread in civil engineering construction, brick masonry walls usually designed
to resist only gravity loads are known to be vulnerable structural elements with respect to …

This paper aims to improve knowledge on the suitability of the discrete element method
(DEM) to simulate the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of different in-configuration …

This dissertation presents Thrust Network Analysis, a new methodology for generating
compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks. The method finds possible funicular …

Abstract We address the Thrust Network Analysis (TNA), ie the methodology for modeling
masonry vaults as a discrete network of forces in equilibrium with gravitational loads, first …

Addressing both architects and engineers, this dissertation presents a new framework for the
form finding and design of fabrication geometry of discrete, funicular structures in the early …

Earthquakes represent one of the major threats to the stability of the world architectural
heritage, which is mostly constituted by unreinforced masonry (URM) structures. The …

Numerous existing structures exhibit rocking behavior during earthquakes, and there is a
continuing need to retrofit these structures to prevent collapse. In addition, while rocking …

Unreinforced masonry structures, particularly façade walls, are seismically vulnerable due to
their weak connections with adjacent walls, floors, and/or roofs. During an earthquake, such …

Self-supporting structures are prominent in historical and contemporary architecture due to
advantageous structural properties and efficient use of material. Computer graphics …