Determination of Stress and Deformation Zones of Historical Mus Murat Bridge

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the strength of long span stone bridges and stress areas of a historical bridge by using finite element method during earthquakes, floods, and vehicle traffic. The possible earthquake impact of the region and the behavior of the bridge under the effect of the 2011 Van earthquake were investigated. The stresses that will be caused by hydrostatic and vehicle loading applied to the bridge are dwelled on. This study aimed to shed light on future restoration work. As a result of the vehicle, hydrostatic load and dead load analysis, the biggest deformation occurred in the arch K9, which has the largest arch span. According to the results of the earthquake analysis, maximum deformation occurred in the K10 arch, which is one of the arches with the largest arch span of the bridge. In addition, inearthquakes affected in the X and Z direction, it was observed that the arches and piers in the middle of the bridge, that is, these relatively higher structural elements were subjected to more stress. It has been determined that the A11 pier of the bridge is the structural element exposed to the most pressure.