Analytical solution for postbuckling of uniform nonlinear masonry piers

Abstract

In this paper the stability condition of uniform cantilevered masonry piers, subjected to eccentric concentrated load, is investigated, considering materials with nonlinear (parabolic) stress-strain law under compression. The analytical solution is obtained by integrating the nonlinear differential equation of the deflection curve using the Taylor series method. Depending on load intensity, on the height-to-depth ratio and initial eccentricity of the applied load, a column can fail owing to elastic instability or because the masonry at the fixed section has attained, or exceeded, the allowable compressive or tensile stress.