Numerical Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Arches and Vaults via Two-Dimensional Lumped Damage Mechanics.2026.Barros, K. R. A. G.; Cruz, A. K. S.; Cunha, R. N.; Amorim, D. L. N. F.; Picón, R.; Flórez López, J.

The structural analysis of historic buildings, including masonry arches and vaults, is essential for both preserving cultural heritage and ensuring their stability and continued functional use. The accurate description of nonlinear behavior is paramount for numerical approaches applied to masonry arches. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel two-dimensional lumped damage model to describe the nonlinear behavior of masonry arches and vaults. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified with experimental results. Such comparisons demonstrate good agreement in load versus displacement curves, as well as in the cracking pattern and collapse mechanisms.