Masonry Arch Bridge

In this paper, detailed FEM modellings of a laboratory tested semi-circular concrete block (voussoir) masonry arch are to provide a more detailed insight of their structural behaviour under monotonic loading. In these 2D plain-strain FEM modellings, separate 4-noded continuum elements were used for the constituents, i.e. concrete blocks, mortar and backfill. Material parameters for the constituents were defined with simple perfect plasticity behaviour. The FEM results were compared with the experimental data. Numerical results of the FEM modelling well matched the experimental result and was able to simulate impressively the cracking and hinge failure mechanism, even in lack of elegant material model and calibration of material parameters.Effect of the backfill and mortar parameters on strength of the masonry arch with/without backfill were also studied. A comparison between the FEM results and Boussinesq analytical results for the vertical stress underneath the loading area on the arch extrados, for different heights of the backfill has also been made

Keywords:

masonry arch , point load , finite element method