Recent advances in masonry arch bridges, substantiated by extensive testing programs in Europe and United States, provide bridge engineers with increasing confidence that reasonable estimates can be made of the capacity of these structures. Observation of ultimate strength testing indicate that spandrel walls and fill contribute greatly to the strength and stiffness of these structures, although the classical mechanism method do not take into account these effects. Nevertheless the computer programs based on the mechanism method are largely diffused in practice, because of their simple structure. On the other hand, the numerical analyses based on the finite elements involve complication and uncertainties in parameter estimation, so that are often unfit for structural engineering practice. This paper presents the results of a mechanism program developed to take into account the different real effects due to the presence of fill, lateral earth pressure, strong “backing”. The case study is the Roman arch bridge in Pont Saint Martin, Aosta, Italy, which is today in perfect condition. The arch ring was chosen for the study because its geometry (single span, circular shape) and material (cut stones) are among the most widely diffused.
Modified mechanism method for the assessment of masonry arch bridge
MONACO, Michelina
2007
Abstract
Recent advances in masonry arch bridges, substantiated by extensive testing programs in Europe and United States, provide bridge engineers with increasing confidence that reasonable estimates can be made of the capacity of these structures. Observation of ultimate strength testing indicate that spandrel walls and fill contribute greatly to the strength and stiffness of these structures, although the classical mechanism method do not take into account these effects. Nevertheless the computer programs based on the mechanism method are largely diffused in practice, because of their simple structure. On the other hand, the numerical analyses based on the finite elements involve complication and uncertainties in parameter estimation, so that are often unfit for structural engineering practice. This paper presents the results of a mechanism program developed to take into account the different real effects due to the presence of fill, lateral earth pressure, strong “backing”. The case study is the Roman arch bridge in Pont Saint Martin, Aosta, Italy, which is today in perfect condition. The arch ring was chosen for the study because its geometry (single span, circular shape) and material (cut stones) are among the most widely diffused.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
