Testing and analysis of masonry arches subjected to impact loads

Abstract

A prototype single span masonry arch was designed and its capacity was assessed both experimentally and numerically. The geometric design process was based on the dimensional-constraints of the laboratory. A quasi-static experimental test was conducted on the arch and the force deformation behaviour of the arch was obtained. Joint interface properties might play an important role in numerical assessment of masonry stone bridges; therefore the influence of these parameters is addressed. A sensitivity numerical analysis was carried out to figure out the range of values that gives similar global behaviour of the arch from both numerical and experimental simulations. Subsequently, the results of the impact test are given and a numerical simulation able to capture the main characteristics of the response is presented.