Load testing and model simulations for a stone arch bridge

Service and high level load tests on a typical single span stone arch bridge in the south of Ireland and an associated set of three-dimensional nonlinear numerical analyses are discussed in this paper. The three-dimensional finite element models, which were generated using a commercially available finite element package, include the arch fill and a frictionless contact interface between this fill and the spandrel walls modelled with a nonlinear smeared crack material model. While this modelling strategy has been previously corroborated for service load levels, the results of the numerical model (which are compared with results from the experimental tests) also demonstrate the suitability of this modelling strategy at higher load levels. Finally, the suitability of three-dimensional solid models in the context of stone arch bridge assessment is discussed.