Résumé
The present work proposes a new hybrid FEM-DEM strategy, which combines the advantages of the classical finite and discrete element methods. The present paper illustrates the capabilities of the hybrid model in reproducing the behavior of masonry during experimental tests. In this hybrid approach, deformable blocks, managed by a damage model, interact each other through contact joints governed by frictional cohesive behaviors. The main aspect of the numerical results concerns the ability of this approach in providing realistic prediction of failure mechanisms.