Failure Modes Analysis of Stone Arch Bridges

Abstract

A destruction test based on the bridge safety appraisal is one way to verify the failure law of an actual bridge. In this paper, a stone arch bridge in a 1:10 scale model and with a span of 60 m (namely, an arch bar of the same length as the object of test) has been tested, methods of its whole test and loading process introduced, and ultimate bearing capacity, deflection and development rules of cracks in the loading process figured out. With the clarification of destruction mechanism, the ultimate forms of disease and remaining height of section have been acquired and, finally, the destruction theory of stone arch bridges has been verified and optimized.