Modeling Stone Elements

jwgolf · Post by **jwgolf** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:57 pm

I am interested in modeling a frame constructed of stone elements (see photo below). I would like to have a frictional interface between elements that would allow for shifting of blocks when subject to lateral loads and ideally fail the structure to the point where a frame beam would fall off it's support. Is there a good way to do this in OpenSees? I am considering using the zerolengthcontact elements but I am unsure if this is the ideal way to construct this model.

Thanks for the help.

[img]http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/8020933.jpg[/img]

jwgolf · Post by **jwgolf** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 5:03 pm

In response to the zeroLengthContact element, if I want to build my model in a 2D system with 3 DOF, would that mean I need to use the zeroLengthContact3D? OpenSees didnt like the 2D since each node had 3 DOFs.