3D Numerical Simulation of Experiments on Masonry Arch Bridges

The Construction Engineering Department of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia carried out a real-scale masonry arch bridge aiming to improve the understanding of these types of structures. Since this experimental test, and based on previous studies of the same case of study, this dissertation has the objective to set up a three-dimensional numerical model to reproduce the same results obtained in the laboratory. First, a current state of the art about these types of structures is presented including a brief description of the main structural elements and their typologies, the main characteristics of masonry and a brief history of the analysis of these structures, from its beginnings in the seventeenth century till the implementation of finite element method. Moreover, the construction, material characterization and test instrumentation of the experimental test is described. The results are analysed and compared with previous analytical and numerical predictions. Finally, a non-linear analysis of a new three-dimensional model including all the main structural elements and interactions between them through the use of interface elements is performed.