Numerical simulation of the fracturing processes 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 behaviour 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 and uses constitutive law providing closer approximation to actual of material. In this paper, an evolutionary fracturing process for stability assessment masonry arches 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. The results obtained with described approach compared numerical simulation performed finite element code Diana (TNO, Netherlands) adopting discrete cohesive laws. Finally, case study Mosca Bridge over Dora River in Turin, Italy,