A large strain Finite Element Method model of sandstone material in masonry building

The use of squared natural stones in traditional constructions is quite common in many Italian regions. Natural stones are basic materials of traditional masonries. The characterization of a natural stone, as basic material of masonry, is an important task in building design and rehabilitation. An appropriate knowledge of the stone mechanical behavior is fundamental for the analyses with the Finite Element Method, frequently adopted to design and check static and dynamic safety of both new and existing buildings. Accordingly to this, in the present paper we have analyzed the natural sandstone material by means of a Finite Element Method model, based on a large strain formulation, to characterize the mechanical stress-strain path, from elastic to plastic and damage until failure, of the investigated sandstone. Specimens of sandstone are experimental tested under uniaxial compression and displacement control. The numerical results are matched up to the analogous experimental measurements in order to verify the accuracy of the present model. On the basis of the obtained findings, the model has demonstrated to be a consistent tool for checking the existing masonry buildings; it allows a consistent representation of a quasi-brittle material.