Heterogeneous elastic solids: a mixed homogenization-rigidification technique

A homogenization technique for heterogeneous elastic solids made up by a matrix containing inclusions modelled as rigid in the limit, is proposed. It is shown that the approach can cause considerable simpli®cations with respect to the use of standard homogenization procedures. The case of a masonry panel set across on an opening is analysed by applying the proposed technique and some numerical results are given. They are compared ®rst with those obtained by considering the panel as a heterogeneous body and, in turn, by using standard homogenization