The methodology presented in this work combines the theoretical framework developed for the dynamics of coupled rigid elements with the characteristics of rocking motion, in order to reproduce the behaviour of blocky masonry structures un der seismic actions. As an application, a closed kinematic chain structure is analysed for the case of harmonic forcing.

A novel formulation for the rocking motion of a rigid block on a rigid foundation is presented in this work. The traditional piecewise equations are replaced by a single ordinary differential equation. In addition, damping effects are no longer introduced by means of a coefficient of restitution but understood as the presence of impulsive forces. The agreement with the classical formalism is very good for both free rocking regime and harmonic forcing excitation.