Load capacity of multi-arch masonry bridges

This paper presents the application of a numerical model specifically developed for the nonlinear analysis of masonry constructions to simulate the service and the ultimate response of multi-arch masonry bridges. The model allows to determine the ultimate load of the bridge taking into account most of the phenomena involved in the strength capacity of the structure, such as cracking in tension, yielding and crushing in compression and second order equilibrium. To illustrate the capacity of the model, two real examples of application are described, showing different failure modes with partial or complete development of hinges at the arches or at the piers.