Assessment method of masonry arch bridges

Nathalie Domede (1) , Alain Sellier (1)

1 LMDC - Laboratoire Matériaux et Durabilité des constructions

The aim of the research presented here was to build an assessment method for masonry arch bridges by modelling and computing. The method was developed on a masonry vault build in 1870 in southwest of France with bricks, stones and hydraulic lime. The first step was an historic research in order to know the bridge constitution. The second step was an experimental approach whose aim was to establish the homogenized masonries mechanic behaviour law and an interface law between homogenized blocks. The interface law used "joint elements" including the mortar crack in tensile and shear behaviour. The third step was the 3D computing of the bridge, using a finite element method. Several boundary conditions were explored, blocked or slipping support, to describe the arch bridge behaviour.

Mots clés: masonry; arch bridges; brick; lime mortar; interface element

Domaines: Sciences de l'ingénieur [physics]; Génie civil; Réhabilitation; Structures

Nathalie Domede, Alain Sellier. Assessment method of masonry arch bridges. Structural Faults and Repair, Jun 2008, EDIMBOURG, United Kingdom. ⟨hal-02155033⟩