Analysis of No-Tension Material Arch Bridges with Finite Compression Strength

Abstract

The mechanism method, based on the particularization of limit design to masonry structures proposed by Heyman, is certainly a very suitable procedure for the analysis of no-tension material arches, especially because of its simplicity. The literature largely treats the method under the hypothesis of infinite compressive strength of the material, whereas fewer studies are devoted to finite compression strength. In this paper the latter case is revisited with reference to masonry arch bridges, assuming a rigid-perfect plastic model for the material and using a nondimensional formulation. In this way, results are derived and discussed for a wide range of parameters. The results are compared with those obtained using Heyman’s hypotheses.