Analysis of Masonry Structures using the Finite-Volume Theory (FVT)

Resumo

The Finite-Volume Theory (FVT) represents an advanced and effective numerical approach for structural analysis in solid mechanics, standing out as a promising alternative to the Finite Element Method (FEM). Grounded in static equilibrium principles, FVT discretizes the problem domain into finite subvolumes, within which average tractions and displacements are evaluated over control surfaces. This formulation rigorously enforces the equilibrium equations in each subdomain while ensuring mechanical continuity between adjacent subvolumes through compatibility conditions imposed on their shared faces. Such a framework enables a physically consistent and accurate representation of the mechanical behavior of complex and heterogeneous structural systems.In this project, the three-dimensional FVT is applied to the structural analysis of masonry walls, aiming to better understand and predict their structural performance. The main contribution of this research lies in the development of a dedicated computational environment, implemented in MATLAB®, consisting of integrated modules for automatic mesh generation, boundary condition definition, numerical simulation, and post-processed result visualization. This environment is designed to evaluate the macroscopic structural behavior of masonry systems under various loading configurations and material properties.Through this formulation and implementation, the project aims to deliver an efficient tool for the modeling of masonry structures, promoting advances both in the field of numerical structural analysis and in the development of computational solutions applicable to structural engineering.