Application of limit analysis to stone arch bridges

摘要

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 stone arches, especially because of its simplicity, clarity and speed. In order to overpass the most important limit, which is the assumption of infinite compression strength, a simple procedure based on the reduction of the design thickness of masonry is proposed. The application of the mechanism method to multi-span arch bridges is also discussed.