FE vs. DE Modeling for the Nonlinear Dynamics of a Historic Church in Central Italy

The present research paper properly focuses on the dynamics and failure mechanisms of masonry “Apennine Church” Santissimo Crocifisso in Pretare, municipality Arquata del Tronto province Ascoli Piceno (Marche region, Central Italy). Such a peculiar structural type traditionally characterizes intense seismic area Italy, unfortunately almost totally damaged by recent shock sequence 2016. Advanced numerical modeling through discontinuous continuous approaches were here utilized to have an insight into dynamic properties behavior structure under strong nonlinear excitations. In discrete element approach, non-smooth contact method, implemented LMGC90©, was applied, adopting full 3D detailed discretization. church schematized as arrangement rigid blocks, subjected sliding friction perfect plastic collisions, with null restitution coefficient. finite concrete plasticity model available Midas FEA NX© involved. This allows reproducing tensile cracking, compressive crushing, degradation material cyclic loads. Finally, analyses provided valuable picture actual church, thus giving useful hints for future strengthening interventions.