Exploiting the resilience of masonry arch bridge infrastructure: a 3D multi-level modelling framework
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Abstract
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Organisations
Publications
Grosman S
(2023)
Parametric nonlinear modelling of 3D masonry arch bridges
in Advances in Engineering Software
Pantò B
(2022)
A hybrid macro-modelling strategy with multi-objective calibration for accurate simulation of multi-ring masonry arches and bridges
in Computers & Structures
Grosman S
(2021)
Numerical modelling of three-dimensional masonry arch bridge structures
in Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering and Computational Mechanics
| Description | An enhanced multi-level modelling strategy with nonlinear 3D mesoscale and macroscale masonry models has been developed and used to investigate the response of masonry arch bridges. Novel computational developments include a refined constitutive model for nonlinear interfaces representing material degradation in mortar joints under medium to high-cycle fatigue loading, and an optimised partitioning approach providing improved computational efficiency, which is vital for 3D nonlinear analysis of realistic masonry bridge structures. Detailed mesoscale simulations utilising refined masonry models, which explicitly account for masonry bond and mortar-unit interaction, have been carried out for a range of masonry bridge configurations to achieve an improved understanding of the behaviour up to collapse. It was found that the bridge response is governed by complex 3D interactions among different structural and non-structural components, including arches, backfill and spandrel walls, which is not considered in the current practical assessment for masonry bridges. The developed 3D mesoscale models have been used also to identify limitations of simplistic 2D models that disregard key features, such as the contribution of spandrel walls and masonry bond strength, as well as 3D masonry macroscale models that assume masonry as a uniform material potentially leading to inaccurate predictions. A refined meso-macroscale model calibration strategy has been also developed to improve the accuracy of efficient macroscale models. |
| Exploitation Route | The results obtained can be adopted as baseline data for the development of simplified models for practical improved assessment of masonry bridges. |
| Sectors | Construction Transport |
| Description | Research outcomes have been disseminated to the technical community at large via seminars, including the final dissemination event held at Imperial College London. An existing link with Network Rail, a major asset owner of masonry bridges in the UK, has been leveraged enabling a direct transfer of the research findings via dedicated training sessions for technical staff with the ultimate goal of improving current understanding of masonry bridge behaviour as well as current assessment and management practice for such critical infrastructure assets. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Construction |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |
| Description | ERMABI Workshop, 5-6 September 20023. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The workshop was organised as part of the UK government-funded ERMABI (Exploiting the Resilience of Masonry Arch Bridge Infrastructure) project, involving the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and Imperial College London. The workshop included presentations describing the outcomes of the project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |