Abstract
This paper reports a validation study involving sixth scale masonry model to replicate prototype tests carried out on five unit high masonry prisms. In order to test the applicability of small masonry models to real life problems, an investigation into masonry behaviour relevant to the serviceability requirement of masonry arch bridges was chosen as prototype test to validate the small scale masonry tests. Only representative masonry specimens were considered in the study; this corresponded to parts of an arch ring in a complete masonry arch. Two mortar designations; designation iv and designation v were used. These weak mortars tend to conform better to existing old structures. Loads were applied at four eccentricities of 0, 5, 9, and 14 mm from the centre of the specimens. This corresponds to e/d ratios of 0, 0.14, 0.25, and 0.39, where e is the eccentricity of the load and d the length of the transverse section of the specimens. The result shows that validation study corresponds with prototype study for low eccentricities; therefore, strength enhancement is seen over the concentric compressive strength. However, this does not apply at higher eccentricities as specimens were noticed to fail by elastic instability characterised by tension debonding of the top mortar joint.
Highlights
This paper reports a validation study involving sixth scale masonry model to replicate prototype tests carried out on five unit high masonry prisms
In order to test the applicability of small masonry models to real life problems, an investigation into masonry behaviour relevant to the serviceability requirement of masonry arch bridges was chosen as prototype test to validate the small scale masonry tests
The result shows that validation study corresponds with prototype study for low eccentricities; strength enhancement is seen over the concentric compressive strength
Summary
In order to test the applicability of small masonry models to real life problems, an investigation by Roberts et al [1] into masonry behaviour relevant to the serviceability requirement of masonry arch bridges was chosen as prototype test to validate the small scale masonry tests by Mohammed [2]. As traffic moves over the bridge, the arch barrel may be subjected to significantly reversed bending and shear forces. In BD 21/97 (1997), it is suggested that the service load should be limited to 50% of the predicted ultimate load This conclusion is based on the results of numerous large and full scale tests, which show that the load deflection response of masonry arch bridges remains approximately linear up to 50% of the ultimate load. The main objective of the application study was to investigate the effect of eccentric concentrated loading on sixth scale masonry with a view to comparing it to the prototype study by using static tests as a tool for the understanding of the overall behaviour of masonry arches
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