Experimentally-based assessment of masonry arch bridges

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of a continuing research programme intended for the development of generally applicable assessment procedures for masonry arch bridges, for which the assumptions and assessment results can be justified by experimental observations. The research is being undertaken in three phases. Phase I consists of experimental testing of bridges under service loads for the purpose of observation of bridge behaviour. A further purpose of the experimental programme is to provide data for the validation of three-dimensional non-linear finite-element models. In Phase II, three-dimensional non-linear finite-element models capable of capturing the principal features of the bridge response, based on a prescribed procedure and using standardised values of strength and stiffness, were developed. In Phase III the application of a two-dimensional model for the assessment of stone masonry bridges was considered. The assessment method used is based on a prescribed procedure using standardised values of strength and stiffness, which can be implemented in any general structural analysis programme. This phase also included a comparison of the proposed assessment method with other methods in common use.