Evolution of the Fracturing Process in Masonry Arches

摘要: Masonry arch structures, and, more generally, vaulted are traditionally assessed using a well-established approach, such as linear elasticity or limit analysis, whereby system behavior at the intermediate stage—which occurs when material’s tensile strength has been exceeded but collapse mechanism not yet formed—is disregarded. A accurate interpretation requires thorough analysis that can take into account cracking stage and uses constitutive law providing closer approximation to actual of material. In this paper, an evolutionary fracturing process for stability assessment masonry arches is presented. This method makes it possible capture damaging takes place conditions evaluated by means elastic no longer apply before through set in. Furthermore, way thrust line affected opening cracks redistribution internal stresses be checked numerically. Finally, applying method, numerical calculation Mosca Bridge over Dora River in Turin, Italy, described, results compared with those obtained Castigliano’s iterative analysis.