Reliability-based assessment of masonry arch bridges

Abstract

The paper presents a methodology for the probabilistic assessment of masonry arches at the serviceability and ultimate limit states. First, it explains the definition of the different failure modes and corresponding limit state functions that may occur depending on the type of masonry construction (single-ring and multi-ring). The most reported modes of failure are the four-hinge mechanism, the ring separation in multiring arches and the slippage at the foundations. Because of the lack of reliable material data (in the statistic sense) or available response models, only those more prone to be analyzed using reliability-based methods are shown in this paper: four-hinge mechanism and ring separation.The possibility of fatigue failure of masonry arch bridges under service loads and the proposal of reliability-based assessment methods at the ultimate level of the 4 hingemechanism are also analyzed. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to an existing bridge.

Life-cycle assessment and deterioration models for masonry arch bridges

“…In terms of mathematical relationship, SN type deterioration models have been proposed for masonry by Roberts et al [22] based on a series of small-scale laboratory tests. Based [28] on Roberts' test results, a probabilistic model was developed by Casas specifically for masonry arch bridges (as shown in Equation (1) and included in Figure 6). …”

Flood Risk Assessment of Masonry Arch Bridges

“…2 shows a sample of a flood hydrograph of a channel and the corresponding evolution of the scour depth at the foundation of a bridge pier. The flow in the channel is such that live bed conditions are attained only during the time interval [t 3 4 ] the scour evolves under live-bed conditions, and the scour hole is partially refilled with sediment from upstream the bridge. While the process described above is only qualitative, it suggests a different analytical treatment of the problem for clear water and live-bed scour.…”

“…The compressive strength is assumed equal to σ c0 = 8MPa. Finally, the riverbed sand is assumed to have a Young's Modulus E r = 500MPa and a Poisson's ratio ν r = 0.15, leading to a normal stiffness of the interfaces below the foundation equal to k v = 0.184N/mm 3 .…”

“…Masonry arch bridges still constitute a significant portion of the bridge stock in Europe [1]- [3]. These structures have proven to be very durable, with a service life extending well beyond the design life of modern bridges.…”

Dynamic extreme stress prediction of bridges based on nonlinear mixed Gaussian particle filtering algorithm and structural health monitoring data

“…There are great potentials to adopt these technologies into the rational performance prediction which is a key point for life-cycle reliability management. 1 For the research of bridge time-variant performance prediction and assessment, some achievements [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] are obtained, for instance, the reliability assessment of long-span truss bridge 15 and the use of monitored extreme data in the structural performance prediction. 16 But based on the bridges' dynamic SHM data, the research on dynamically predicting the structural performance is at the initial stage in the world.…”