Multi-surface plasticity model for analysis of complex interlocking assemblies

The drive for new masonry alternatives to energy-intensive, tensile-resistant ma-terials has led to complex interlocking geometries, but current design tools lack the structural insight to analyze these assemblies effectively. This paper presents Joint Layout Design (JLD), which extends multi-surface plasticity to model discrete, breakable, interlocking assemblies. Two discontinuities are considered for failure: dry faces between blocks (with zero tensile strength and finite friction) and inner faces within blocks (with finite tensile and shear strength). The proposed approach models any interlocking assembly by configuring dry and inner inter-faces shared across finite elements. Using a convex limit analysis formulation, an iterative equilibrium solution is developed. The paper first generates tens of thousands of segmented models with valid inner and dry face configurations, each evaluated for load-bearing capacity. Finally, the correlation of the bearing capacity and mechanism obtained by JLD and 3DEC software using Discrete Element analysis, for four models is explored.