•New numerical model for the analysis of masonry structures is presented.•Numerical model is based on combined Finite–Discrete Element Method (FEM/DEM).•The model is aimed for simulating the entire failure mechanism of masonry structures.•The comparison of experimental and numerical results shows good agreement. This paper presents a new numerical model based on the combined finite–discrete element method for the analysis and prediction of the collapse of masonry structures. The model consists of a new numerical model in a finite element and a new material model in an interface element which simulate the behaviour of the mortar joints and unit-mortar interface. The comparison between the numerical results obtained by this model and the available numerical and experimental results shows high accuracy in predicting the behaviour of the masonry structure through the entire failure mechanism from the continuum to the discontinuum.