The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has emerged as a solution to predicting load capacities of masonry structures. As one of many numerical methods and computational solutions being applied to evaluate masonry structures, further research on DEM tools and methodologies is essential for further advancement. Computational Modeling of Masonry Structures Using the Discrete Element Method explores the latest digital solutions for the analysis and modeling of brick, stone, concrete, granite, limestone, and glass block structures. Focusing on critical research on mathematical and computational methods for masonry analysis, this publication is a pivotal reference source for scholars, engineers, consultants, and graduate-level engineering students.

This book provides an overview to those most important modern and traditional methods of masonry analysis that are able to capture the discrete internal built-up of masonry structures. Such methods are available in a wide variety today – from computational packages based on classical graphical statics techniques through discrete element methods or the most sophisticated no-tension semi-continuum models – , and this book reviews their theoretical foundations, as well as their advantages and preferable fields of application, also calling the attention on their limitations so that the reader could build up a critical view of the choices they have when attacking a masonry mechanics problem. The book gives a basis for the readers to become able to develop their own methods, inspired either by classical graphical statics, or by any modern technique they find promising.

The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.

Numerical Modeling of Masonry and Historical Structures: From Theory to Application provides detailed information on the theoretical background and practical guidelines for numerical modeling of unreinforced and reinforced (strengthened) masonry and historical structures. The book consists of four main sections, covering seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry and historical structures, numerical modeling of unreinforced masonry, numerical modeling of FRP-strengthened masonry, and numerical modeling of TRM-strengthened masonry. Each section reflects the theoretical background and current state-of-the art, providing practical guidelines for simulations and the use of input parameters. Covers important issues relating to advanced methodologies for the seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry and historical structures Focuses on modeling techniques used for the nonlinear analysis of unreinforced masonry and strengthened masonry structures Follows a theory to practice approach

The Cell Method (CM) is a computational tool that maintains critical multidimensional attributes of physical phenomena in analysis. This information is neglected in the differential formulations of the classical approaches of finite element, boundary element, finite volume, and finite difference analysis, often leading to numerical instabilities and spurious results. This book highlights the central theoretical concepts of the CM that preserve a more accurate and precise representation of the geometric and topological features of variables for practical problem solving. Important applications occur in fields such as electromagnetics, electrodynamics, solid mechanics and fluids. CM addresses non-locality in continuum mechanics, an especially important circumstance in modeling heterogeneous materials. Professional engineers and scientists, as well as graduate students, are offered: • A general overview of physics and its mathematical descriptions; • Guidance on how to build direct, discrete formulations; • Coverage of the governing equations of the CM, including nonlocality; • Explanations of the use of Tonti diagrams; and • References for further reading.

Despite the development of advanced methods, models, and algorithms, optimization within structural engineering remains a primary method for overcoming potential structural failures. With the overarching goal to improve capacity, limit structural damage, and assess the structural dynamic response, further improvements to these methods must be entertained. Optimization of Design for Better Structural Capacity is an essential reference source that discusses the advancement and augmentation of optimization designs for better behavior of structure under different types of loads, as well as the use of these advanced designs in combination with other methods in civil engineering. Featuring research on topics such as industrial software, geotechnical engineering, and systems optimization, this book is ideally designed for architects, professionals, researchers, engineers, and academicians seeking coverage on advanced designs for use in civil engineering environments.

Nowadays, numerical computation has become one of the most vigorous tools for scientists, researchers and professional engineers, following the enormous progress made during the last decades in computing technology, in terms of both computer hardware and software development. Although this has led to tremendous achievements in computer-based structural engineering, the increasing necessity of solving complex problems in engineering requires the development of new ideas and innovative methods for providing accurate numerical solutions in affordable computing times. This collection aims at providing a forum for the presentation and discussion of state-of-the-art innovative developments, concepts, methodologies and approaches in scientific computation applied to structural engineering. It involves a wide coverage of timely issues on computational structural engineering with a broad range of both research and advanced practical applications. This Research Topic encompasses, but is not restricted to, the following scientific areas: modeling in structural engineering; finite element methods; boundary element methods; static and dynamic analysis of structures; structural stability; structural mechanics; meshless methods; smart structures and systems; fire engineering; blast engineering; structural reliability; structural health monitoring and control; optimization; and composite materials, with application to engineering structures.