Tensile strength, strain softening and the failure analysis of masonry arch bridges
Abstract
The features of a nonlinear finite element approach suitable for the cracking and failure analysis of masonry arch bridges are summarised. An earlier parametric study indicated that the tensile strength ft* and the (post-cracking) strain softening parameter N are predominant in their effects on the failure behaviour of the arch bridge. Based on the failure test results from two prototype stone arches, a comparative study is carried out by varying the values of ft’ and N. This led to some practical guidelines for the satisfactory use of the proposed approach in assessing the strength of masonry arch bridges currently in service.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 191–196
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter