Analysis and Evaluation on Strengthening and Widening of a Catenary Stone Arch Bridge with Solid Spandrels

Abstract

This paper examines the bearing capacity and stability of a catenary axis uniform cross-section multi-span stone arch bridge with solid spandrels after strengthening and widening, in the light of the Code for Design of Highway Masonry Bridges and Culverts (JTG D61-2005) published by the Ministry of Communications of the People's Republic of China. Taking the West Ulanhot Large Bridge built in cold area of Inner Mongolia in 1960s as an example, the effect of dead load, live load and temperature variation after and before strengthening as well as multi-arch action were considered. Through calculating the bearing capacity and stability of stone multiple arch bridge, compared with the results of loading test and follow-up survey on operation condition for many years, the safety and effectiveness of strengthening scheme are evaluated.