Experimental and numerical analysis of a scaled dry-joint arch on moving supports

This paper aims to investigate the response of a scaled segmental dry-joint masonry arch to the settlement of one support. An experimental test and numerical simulations were performed by applying incremental vertical displacements at the right support up to collapse. The experimental test was carried out on a 1:10 small-scale model of the arch made of bi-component composite blocks with dry joints. Numerical simulations were performed using a finite element (FE) micro-modelling approach, where the arch was discretised as a set of very stiff voussoirs connected by nonlinear interfaces. Experimental and numerical results were compared in terms of displacement capacity and collapse mechanisms. The sensitivity of the numerical results to the interface stiffness was also evaluated.