Load-Bearing Masonry: A Review of FE Numerical Analysis Approach

Load-bearing masonry is one of the earliest materials used in structures. However, men’s relentless pursuit of speed has immensely contributed to the development and implementation of innovative materials and technologies in the construction field like steel and concrete, reducing masonry usage. The total built mass of this planet still has a significant amount of masonry in a variety of forms. Health, safety, stability, and integrity analysis of masonry structures became a critical area of research, and to accurately predict and analyze the mechanical behaviour of masonry structures, numerous numerical techniques have been developed over a period. While considering irregular geometries and anisotropy of the material, analytical approaches are least preferred over numerical approaches. The paper showcases a comprehensive analysis of the difficulties in the numerical modelling of masonry structures. It also overviews two primary numerical approaches—macro (a continuous mechanics model) and micro (discontinuous mechanics model) modelling approaches for the analysis of masonry structures along with an exploration of each strategy and field of application.