Interpretation of the Dynamic Response of a Masonry Arch Rail Viaduct Using Finite-Element Modeling
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 1
Abstract
Linear-elastic finite-element analysis is sometimes used to assess masonry arch bridges under service loads, despite the limitations of this method. Specifically, linear-elastic analysis can be sensitive to material properties, geometry, and support settlements, while also allowing the development of tensile stresses that may be unrealistic for masonry structures. However, even though linear-elastic methods remain appealing for their simplicity, it is rare to evaluate their output against experimental data. In this paper, detailed strain and displacement monitoring data for a masonry arch viaduct are used to evaluate a series of independently developed linear-elastic simulations of this structure. Although uncertainties in input parameters mean the magnitude of modeling results cannot be presumed accurate, the simulated response pattern was found to agree reasonably well with monitoring data in regions of low damage. However, more damaged regions produced a markedly different local response. Comparisons between the simulations revealed useful conclusions regarding common modeling assumptions, namely the importance of modeling backing material, spandrels, and foundation stiffness, to capture their influence on the arch response.
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Acknowledgments
This work forms part of a PhD, which is funded through an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (Grant No. EP/M506485/1). Data collection was made possible by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction, through additional EPSRC funding (Grant No. EP/L010917/1). The authors would like to thank Melanie Banes and Giuseppe Narciso for their help in the early stages of this project. Additionally, they are grateful to Network Rail for providing access to the Marsh Lane viaduct and for their continued interest in this research.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 1 • March 2020
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 30, 2018
Accepted: Mar 6, 2019
Published online: Dec 5, 2019
Published in print: Mar 1, 2020
Discussion open until: May 5, 2020
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