The work reported in this paper summarises the development and results obtained from a 3D computational model, using the distinct element software 3DEC, that was used to investigate the effect of the angle of skew on the load carrying capacity of sixteen different single span stone masonry arches. The variables investigated in the research were the arch span, the span : rise ratio and the skew angle. In order to gain an understanding of the behaviour of the arches, no attempts were made to model the effects of fill, spandrel walls or any other construction details. For each model, a full width vertical line load was applied incrementally to the extrados at quarter span until collapse. At each load increment the predicted crack development and vertical deflection profile was recorded. The results are compared with similar “square” (or regular) arches in order to identify the influence of skew on the behaviour of the arches.
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