An adaptive multi-scale computational modelling of Clare College Bridge

Masonry structures may be modelled as an assembly of linearly elastic bodies (individual bricks or stone-blocks) in unilateral frictional contact. Such models generally constitute a formidable computational challenge owing to the need to resolve interactions between individual bodies, such as detection of crack and openings and the resolution of non-linear equations governing the contact. Even for medium size structures, the large number of blocks from which they are assembled renders a full direct simulation of such structures practically impossible. In this paper, an adaptive multi-scale technique for the modelling of large-scale dynamic structures is implemented and applied to the computer simulation of Clare College Bridge, in Cambridge, UK. The adaptive multi-scale approach enables us to carry out simulations at a complexity normally associated with the cost of modelling the entire structure by a simple continuum model whilst incorporating small scale effects, such as openings of gaps and slippage between individual masonry units, using a systematic and locally optimal criterion.