A Discrete Element Method based-approach for arched masonry structures under blast loads

•A Discrete Element Method based-approach is used to investigate the fast-dynamic behaviour of planar and arched masonry structures subjected to blast loads.•The corroboration with experimental tests shows that the proposed model well captures the essential features of the mechanical response and failure modes.•The influence of several micro-mechanical parameters on the response of an arched structure is assessed through detailed parametric analyses. Masonry structures are often characterized by complex, non-planar geometries. This is also the case for historical and monumental structures. Here we investigate the dynamic behaviour of non-standard, curvilinear masonry geometries, such as vaults, subjected to blast loading. We use the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for modelling the dynamic structural response to explosions. The approach allows considering the detailed mechanical and geometrical characteristics of masonry, as well as the inherent coupling between the in- and out-of-plane motion. The proposed modelling approach is validated with existing experimental tests in the case of planar masonry geometries, walls. The DEM model well captures the dynamic response of the system and the form of failure within the masonry structure. Then the response of a curved masonry structure subjected to blast loading is investigated. The influence of various micro-mechanical parameters, such as the dilatancy angle, the tensile strength and the cohesion of the masonry joints on the overall dynamic structural response of the system is explored. The effect of the size of the building blocks is also studied. Finally, the common DEM assumption of rigid blocks is assessed through detailed comparisons with simulations involving deformable blocks.