Yield design modelling of dry joint retaining structures

This study presents an analysis of dry masonry retaining structures based on yield design theory: the structure stability is assessed using rigid block and shear failure mechanisms in the wall and its backfill. An application of this simulation on 2D scale-down brick and wood models is then addressed, showing close agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Finally, the possibility of widespreading the study to periodic dry joint and dry-stone retaining structures is discussed.