Amélioration De La Résistance Des Murs De Parapet En Maçonnerie Aux Impacts Improving the Impact Resisance of Masonry Parapet Walls

Virtually all masonry arch bridges contain masonry parapets and, because of the possibility that these may be extensively damaged following a vehicle impact, it is often reported that these give engineers more cause for concern than the arch barrel itself. Over the past decade research has been carried out to gain an understanding of the fundamental modes of resistance of unreinforced masonry parapets when subjected to vehicle impacts. A second phase of research work has recently commenced. This is concerned with the development of suitable methods to strengthen existing walls and also with the development of effective new construction techniques. In this paper the activities currently underway are described. Additionally, results from a number of laboratory impact tests on bed-joint reinforced parapet walls are briefly described.