DEM numerical approach for masonry aqueducts in seismic zone: two valuable Portuguese examples

Abstract

Two engineering applications of the distinct element method to the analysis of historic masonry aqueducts in Portugal are presented. The commercial software Universal distinct element code is utilised to analyse Águas Livres in Lisbon and Amoreira in Elvas aqueducts, modelling two meaningful portions of the structures by means of distinct blocks and frictional interfaces. The aqueducts portions are assumed subjected to several different earthquakes with variable intensity and frequency contents, in order to have an insight into their non-linear behaviour when subjected to different accelerograms and estimate the seismic vulnerability by means of non-linear dynamic computations.