Discrete element modeling (DEM) is a numerical analysis method only recently applied to assessing the stability of masonry structures, where each masonry element is represented by a discrete element. How do DEM results compare to thrust line analysis, a more traditional analysis method?

D. L. Fang, R. K. Napolitano, T. L. Michiels, and S. M. Adriaenssens, “Assessing the stability of unreinforced masonry arches and vaults: a comparison of analytical and numerical strategies,” International Journal of Architectural Heritage, pp. 1–15, May 2018.

Senior thesis work at Princeton University in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering. Physical modeling and international collaboration funded by the Lidow Fund, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Princeton University.

Co-advised by Sigrid Adriaenssens (Associate Professor, CEE) and Axel Kilian (Assistant Professor, ARC) Additional contributions from Rebecca Napolitano and Tim Michiels (PhD candidates, CEE).

Awards: The Calvin Dodd MacCracken Senior Thesis/Project Award, Princeton SEAS (news) David W. Carmichael Prize, Princeton CEE