A nonlinear macroelement model for the seismic analysis of masonry buildings

The macroelement technique for modelling the nonlinear response of masonry panels is particularly efficient
and suitable for the analysis of the seismic behaviour of complex walls and buildings. The paper presents a
macroelement model specifically developed for simulating the cyclic in-plane response of masonry walls,
with possible applications in nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of masonry structures. The model,
starting from a previously developed macroelement model, has been refined in the representation of
flexural–rocking and shear damage modes, and it is capable of fairly simulating the experimental response
of cyclic tests performed on masonry piers. By means of two internal degrees of freedom, the two-node
macroelement permits to represent the coupling of axial and flexural response as well as the interaction of
shear and flexural damage.