Load Rating of Masonry Arch Bridges: Refinements
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 9, Issue 3
Abstract
In a paper previously published by the first writer, a procedure for load-rating masonry arch bridges was introduced. The procedure uses the Load Factor Method of the 1994 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Manual for the Condition Evaluation of Bridges, applied to a frame analysis model of a masonry arch spanning from abutment to abutment. The procedure is based on the assumption of the arch barrel having no tensile strength. The objective of this technical note is to complement the initial procedure by enabling the assessing engineer to exercise discretion in deciding whether or not a small value of tensile strength should be allowable in determining a suitable rating for masonry arch bridges. In addition the initially proposed strength values, which are considered overly conservative, are increased. The introduction of these refinements will allow a more accurate assessment of the nation’s stock of stone masonry bridges.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 9 • Issue 3 • May 2004
Pages: 304 - 307
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 29, 2002
Accepted: Nov 13, 2003
Published online: Apr 15, 2004
Published in print: May 2004
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