Abstract
Simple formulas are developed for the mass scale load rating assessment of masonry arch bridges in terms of four geometrical parameters of the bridge. The ultimate load limit state and the repeated load limit state constitute the theoretical background. The formulas are constructed as the minimum squares best suited to a set of linear and nonlinear finite element solutions of a representative selection of the country's bridge stock. The formulas are quadratic in the arch span and linear in the arch rise, arch thickness and fill depth. The method can be used for other countries' masonry arch bridge stock; the data processing programme is portable. The structure of the formulas and the country's bridge stock representation can be adapted to local conditions. Nevertheless, new representations of bridge instances require rather demanding non-linear finite element solutions up until total collapse. This is the most laborious part of the formula's development.
Highlights
Load rating of masonry arch bridges is important for road maintenance and management
Pippard's formula, (Pippard 1938), see Heyman (1982) became the basis of the MEXE load rating method, devised in the 1950s in a British military experimental establishment, which in turn has been adapted to several guides and is widely used today, (Highway Agency 1997, UIC 1995 and Min. of Transport CR 2000)
Failure criteria play an important part in the development of semi-empirical formulas
Summary
Load rating of masonry arch bridges is important for road maintenance and management. Factor of γ =3.4, whereas, when the standard structural reliability factors of Eurocodes are combined, the reduction factor is 2.17 The latter value applies to the ultimate load based on characteristic values of material strengths and no dynamic factor is included. The load rating method and structure models do not account for abutment, piers and foundation compliance and failure. These structural parts require individual treatment that can hardly be condensed in a common guide. 4. Besides the direct semi-empirical formula for the load rating, criteria are provided for an elaborate assessment by linear numerical analysis. 5. The two methods developed for the load rating, the direct semi-empirical formula and numerical analysis, are hierarchical as to their precision, work load and use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
