Seismic Behaviour Analysis of Classes of Masonry Arch Bridges

Abstract

The paper describes a simplified methodology for the evaluation of the seismic retrofit intervention types to be performed on clusters of multi-span masonry arch bridges, on the basis of the main bridges’ geometrical characteristics. The structural behaviour of the analysed sample bridges has been evaluated in their main directions highlighting the potential local and global vulnerabilities and the related retrofit intervention typologies that need to be selected. The main aim of this study is to take the form of an useful tool for the identification of the best retrofit strategies for each masonry bridge structure in function of its geometrical characteristics and thus planning rationally the management of these bridges belonging to railway networks.