Computational Technology Resources - CCC

Y. Hua, M. Buzzetti, N. Pingaro, M. Pourfouladi, G. Milani, "LACT3: A Fast Tool for Tilting Table Tests Based on Rigid Block Limit Analysis", in P. Iványi, J. Kruis, B.H.V. Topping, (Editors), "Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 10, Paper 11.1, 2025,

Keywords: limit analysis, LACT3, tilting table tests, kinematic approach, masonry panels, stereotomy.

Abstract

This study presents a homemade numerical tool, named LACT3, for the limit analysis of masonry structures subjected to in-plane tilting table tests. The method, implemented in MATLAB with a user-friendly interface, allows users to import geometries from CAD files (.dxf format) and assign cohesion, friction angle, and density as mechanical parameters. Based on the principles of rigid block limit analysis, the approach uses a kinematic formulation to determine the collapse multiplier and failure mechanism, while the corresponding static problem provides the internal force distribution. A key feature is the iterative procedure developed to efficiently identify the collapse tilt angle. The tool is tested on three masonry wall configurations: regular, semi-regular, and irregular. Each case is analysed by varying the cohesion parameter to assess its influence on the collapse tilt angle and failure mechanism. Results confirm that higher cohesion increases collapse resistance and that the presence of gaps between units significantly reduces the tilt capacity. Comparisons among the case studies highlight the strong influence of both geometry and contact quality on structural performance. The proposed methodology provides a rapid and insightful evaluation of collapse mechanisms in masonry panels, making it suitable for preliminary assessments under seismic-like loading conditions.

download the full-text of this paper (PDF, 9 pages, 735 Kb)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the volume description

	Computational & Technology Resources an online resource for computational, engineering & technology publications
	not logged in - login
Front Page Browse CCC CCP CSETS CTR IJRT Other Authors Search Purchase Guide FAQ Contact us	Civil-Comp Conferences ISSN 2753-3239 CCC: 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE EIGHTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CIVIL, STRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING COMPUTING Edited by: P. Iványi, J. Kruis and B.H.V. Topping Paper 11.1 LACT3: A Fast Tool for Tilting Table Tests Based on Rigid Block Limit Analysis Y. Hua, M. Buzzetti, N. Pingaro, M. Pourfouladi and G. Milani Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper Y. Hua, M. Buzzetti, N. Pingaro, M. Pourfouladi, G. Milani, "LACT3: A Fast Tool for Tilting Table Tests Based on Rigid Block Limit Analysis", in P. Iványi, J. Kruis, B.H.V. Topping, (Editors), "Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 10, Paper 11.1, 2025, Keywords: limit analysis, LACT3, tilting table tests, kinematic approach, masonry panels, stereotomy. Abstract This study presents a homemade numerical tool, named LACT3, for the limit analysis of masonry structures subjected to in-plane tilting table tests. The method, implemented in MATLAB with a user-friendly interface, allows users to import geometries from CAD files (.dxf format) and assign cohesion, friction angle, and density as mechanical parameters. Based on the principles of rigid block limit analysis, the approach uses a kinematic formulation to determine the collapse multiplier and failure mechanism, while the corresponding static problem provides the internal force distribution. A key feature is the iterative procedure developed to efficiently identify the collapse tilt angle. The tool is tested on three masonry wall configurations: regular, semi-regular, and irregular. Each case is analysed by varying the cohesion parameter to assess its influence on the collapse tilt angle and failure mechanism. Results confirm that higher cohesion increases collapse resistance and that the presence of gaps between units significantly reduces the tilt capacity. Comparisons among the case studies highlight the strong influence of both geometry and contact quality on structural performance. The proposed methodology provides a rapid and insightful evaluation of collapse mechanisms in masonry panels, making it suitable for preliminary assessments under seismic-like loading conditions. download the full-text of this paper (PDF, 9 pages, 735 Kb) go to the previous paper go to the next paper return to the table of contents return to the volume description
Back to top	©Civil-Comp Limited 2023 - terms & conditions