Centrifuge testing of model masonry arch bridges

The effect of gravity is fundamental in the behaviour of masonry arch bridges, but previous laboratory testing of scale model arches has ignored its effect. A series of centrifuge tests on scale models constructed using real masonry materials is described the first model arch bridges to be tested in a correctly scaled gravity field. The test geometry was chosen to enable direct comparison with a previous series of tests on 3 m span arches carried out under laboratory conditions. The failure mechanisms, stiffness and scaled failure loads are compared with those of the prototype tests. The test programme demonstrates that centifuge modelling is a valuable technique, considerably extending the usefulness of model testing in masonry research.