A macroscale modelling approach for nonlinear analysis of masonry arch bridges
File(s)
Author(s)
Panto, Bartolomeo
Chisari, Corrado
Macorini, Lorenzo
Izzuddin, Bassam
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Masonry arches represent the most important structural components of masonry arch bridges. Their response is strongly affected by material nonlinearity which is associated with the masonry texture. For this reason, the use of mesoscale models, where units and mortar joints are individually represented, enables accurate response predictions under different loading conditions. However, these detailed models can be very computationally demanding and unsuitable for practical assessments of large structures. In this regard, the use of macro-models, based on simplified homogenised continuum representations for masonry, can be preferable as it leads to a drastic reduction of the computational burden. On the other hand, the latter modelling approach requires accurate calibration of the model parameters to correctly allow for masonry bond. In the present paper, a simplified macro-modelling strategy, particularly suitable for nonlinear analysis of multi-ring brick-masonry arches, is proposed and validated. A numerical calibration procedure, based on genetic algorithms, is used to evaluate the macro-model parameters from the results of meso-scale “virtual” tests. The proposed macroscale description and the calibration procedure are applied to simulate the nonlinear behaviour up to collapse of two multi-ring arches previously tested in laboratory and then to predict the response of masonry arches interacting with backfill material. The numerical results confirm the ability of the proposed modelling strategy for masonry arches to predict the actual nonlinear response and complex failure mechanisms, also induced by ring separation, with a reduced computational cost compared to detailed mesoscale models.
Date Issued
2021-08-31
Date Acceptance
2021-01-01
Citation
12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions SAHC 2020 P.Roca, L. Pelà and C. Molins (Eds.), 2021, pp.1724-1735
ISBN
978-84-123222-0-0
Publisher
International Centre for NumericalMethods in Engineering (CIMNE)
Start Page
1724
End Page
1735
Journal / Book Title
12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions SAHC 2020 P.Roca, L. Pelà and C. Molins (Eds.)
Copyright Statement
© 2021 International Centre for NumericalMethods in Engineering (CIMNE). Made available by the permission of the CIMNE.
Source
SAHC 2020/2021
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2021-09-29
Finish Date
2021-09-01
Coverage Spatial
Virtual