Analysis and assessment of twin-span masonry arch bridges

This paper contains a simple mechanism method approach to the analysis of twin-span masonry arch bridges. The method is used in a comprehensive parametric study to identify and quantify the significant elements that contribute to a twin-span arch's strength. The results of the twin-span analysis are compared with the single-span capacities, and a regression analysis on the parametric study results is included to provide a rule of thumb that assists in determining whether or not a twin-span arch analysis is appropriate. The results of the method are compared with recent full-scale experimental data.