ACOUSTIC-EMISSION MONITORING OF MASONRY ARCH BRIDGES

The application of acoustic emission in the testing of masonry arch bridges is studied. The behaviour of both full and model scale bridges under static loading is described. The general instrumentation and loading arrangements are given along with an outline of the procedure adopted for the various tests. The pattern of acoustic activity in relation to load-deformation response is investigated. Some general characteristics of behaviour are identified. The implications for the use of an acoustic signature in the integrity assessment of masonry arch bridges are considered.