Numerical modelling of three-dimensional masonry arch bridge structures

A substantial part of the underline bridges that belong to asset collection main railway and roadway infrastructure operators in UK Europe have structural shape arches, typically constructed from brick/stone masonry. Current assessment methods, which consider two-dimensional descriptions, do not enable an accurate representation typical three-dimensional response, often they provide realistic predictions development damage various components including piers spandrel walls. In this paper, two alternative 3D finite-element modelling strategies offering different balance between sophistication computational efficiency are presented. The first approach is based on a detailed mesoscale masonry model, where distinction made constituents allowing for description under bond conditions. second macroscale representation, homogeneous assumed. both approaches, interactions walls backfill as well arches’ extrados, explicitly incorporated into model. This interaction effect investigated with comparisons respective simulations illustrate relative benefits modelling.