The behaviour of a historic masonry arch bridge regarding dynamic loads

Abstract

This article describes the analysis of a historic brick arch bridge constructed in Colombia during the 18th century for predicting its behavior in response to loads produced by seismic activity and determining its vulnerability. Two studies were carried out prior to the seismic analysis to obtain basic information regarding the structure's overall behavior (modal analysis and linear static analysis), both stemming from a three-dimensional model constructed by the finite elements method. Seismic excitation was simulated in the conditions proposed by 1998 Colombian seismic-resistant norms (NSR-98). The results obtained agreed with the bridge's history and with its response to earthquakes; the comparison between seismic loads and the resistance capacity of the materials constituting the structure confirms the vulnerability of these types of constructions regarding localised damage and the possibility of collapse. The results suggest that this procedure can be applied to other historic structures in Colombia.