Block models have been shown to provide a realistic representation of the behavior of many types of masonry structures under static and dynamic loads. When the strength of the units is such that movements along the joints govern the behavior, it is acceptable to make the simplifying assumption that blocks act as rigid bodies. This assumption is particularly useful when dealing with seismic prob...

One view of conceptual design in architecture is as a negotiation between materials and forms. The process of configuring materials: organizing them, ordering them, arraying them emerges in the creative nature of design practice and the underpinnings of this process are embodied in the tools of architectural inquiry, traditionally: sketching, diagramming, modeling and drawing, and now in the di...

Various methodologies are available today in engineering professional practice to analyse structures, in particular in the field of masonry structures. Many of the methods are derived from reinforced concrete frames but sometimes they suffer of lack of comprehensive experimental validation due to difficulties to simulate the many different kinds of masonries and they suffer from lack of critica...

Due to their physical and chemical properties, mortars made with lime are considered to be more compatible with historic fabrics than those made with artificial cements. This paper explores the mechanical properties of clay brick masonry bound with hydraulic limes of different strengths, and hydrated calcium lime (CL90-s) with no hydraulic properties. Masonry wallettes built with a CL90-s morta...

The problem of structural stability of two medieval masonry towers is addressed. The geometrical and structural aspects of the towers were analysed and non-destructive tests were performed to assess the evolution of damage phenomena. The damage processes underway in some portions of the masonry were monitored using the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique. This method makes it possible to estimate ...

Our research focuses on how new computational tools and design methods can support the design process of masonry buildings. Specifically we discuss the potential of parametric modeling technologies to promote innovation by embedding knowledge on masonry construction as both generative rules and checker functions. Their goal is to inform designers on the feasibility of their intents on early sta...

Despite considerable experimental and analytical research in the past, modern regulations still adopt very conservative simplified formulas for the compressive strength of masonry. The present paper contributes to the understanding of masonry under compression, using a novel non-linear homogenisation tool that includes the possibility of tensile and compressive progressive damage, both in the u...