Collapse analysis of a masonry arch bridge using the applied element method

Masonry arch bridges constitute a fundamental part of the European transport network. Given their historical relevance and ongoing functional role, often under significantly higher load conditions than originally designed for, a reliable assessment of their load-bearing capacity is essential to understand whether they can guarantee adequate structural performance. To address this need, research efforts have focused on the development of computational methods capable of providing realistic simulations of the structural and collapse behavior of this kind of structures. In this context, the present paper aims to evaluate the application of the recently developed Applied Element Method (AEM) to masonry arch bridges, using the well-known Prestwood bridge (Staffordshire, UK) as a benchmark case study. The bridge was modeled using AEM and loaded until collapse simulating the actual conditions of the in situ test carried out in 1986. Results show consistency, in terms of bearing capacity and collapse mechanism, with the experimental data and previous studies that used other numerical approaches, proving the ability of the Applied Element Method to provide an accurate estimate of the collapse behavior of this kind of structures. AEM's ability to represent collapse mechanisms involving large displacements, at a reduced computational cost, is especially useful for the design of alert and monitoring systems for structures in a damaged or pre-collapse state.