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SUMMARYA modification of the dynamic relaxation method is proposed which facilitates static analysis of non-linear problems. Continuous loading in time is adopted instead of the ordinary step function of time. Inertia and damping forces arising during the loading process are kept at a minimum using an optimum load time history. This results from the stationary condition of an appropriate functional. The equation of motion is included as a subsidiary condition. Continuous load-deflection curves can be obtained. An incremental solution is avoided. Application of the method is extremely simple. Existing programs based on explicit time integration schemes can be easily adapted for it. Sample solutions are presented.

An alternative critical plane orientation is proposed in the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion for soils with an extreme property. Parameter identification from the direct shear test is extended to incude the lateral normal stress.

A three span stone masonry bridge dating back to the middle of the 19th century, still in the roadway network, is assessed to prevent its demolition. Its industrial heritage value and ecological concerns were the principal reasons for the assessment. The carbon footprint of the stone arch replacement would be approximately 200 t CO2 emission owing to 430 m3 reinforced concrete in the new structure. Besides the cultural monument, considerable energy, CO2 emissions and natural resources can be saved in accordance with the sustainable development goals. Standards, guides and commercial software do not provide an adequate support for the assessment of masonry arch bridges, therefore an innovative two phase application of a commercial linear sttructural analysis code and an original in-house code was developed for the purpose. Thousands of stone ach bridges still in service worlwide give the case study more general importance.

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