Laboratory tests are used to identify the contributions of the different elements to the dynamic response of a masonry bridge. 1:3 prototypes have been used retaining the similarity to the real bridges by reducing not only the geometric quantities but also the material properties. The arches have been tested dynamically at different levels of load-induced damage and in different settings: bare arch and arch + fill. The structural elements, and their effective contribution in terms of stiffness to the load bearing structure, may be identified on the basis of dynamic identification techniques. Damages, on the contrary, may be recognized only if their extent is large enough to be detected also visually. Therefore, at present, the condition state of a masonry bridge should not entirely rely on dynamic identification procedures, while dynamic testing appears to be a crucial technique to assess the reliability of structural models and to identify the actual load bearing structure of the bridge.
Masonry bridges: validation of structural models through dynamic testing
BRENCICH, ANTONIO;RIOTTO, GIUSEPPE
2011-01-01
Abstract
Laboratory tests are used to identify the contributions of the different elements to the dynamic response of a masonry bridge. 1:3 prototypes have been used retaining the similarity to the real bridges by reducing not only the geometric quantities but also the material properties. The arches have been tested dynamically at different levels of load-induced damage and in different settings: bare arch and arch + fill. The structural elements, and their effective contribution in terms of stiffness to the load bearing structure, may be identified on the basis of dynamic identification techniques. Damages, on the contrary, may be recognized only if their extent is large enough to be detected also visually. Therefore, at present, the condition state of a masonry bridge should not entirely rely on dynamic identification procedures, while dynamic testing appears to be a crucial technique to assess the reliability of structural models and to identify the actual load bearing structure of the bridge.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.