Abstract
Following Méry’s thrust line approach, this paper presents an alternative method to define the structural safety of masonry arches, based on admissible geometrical domains. These are implemented in a parametric model built on the reciprocal diagrams of graphic statics. The application to a case study – a semi-circular masonry arch loaded by a central point load – helps drawing a comparison with the classical geometric safety factor as defined by Jacques Heyman. The model is also used to evaluate the impact of geometrical as well as resistance hypotheses on the structural safety level. Analyses first confirm that stereotomy only slightly influences the load bearing capacity of the arch. They also validate the common use of an infinite compressive strength for arches’ constitutive material, since considering a typical value of 10 MPa reduces structural performances by less than 2%. Finally, a methodology using admissible geometrical domains is suggested to get insights on the robustness of masonry arches.
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Deschuyteneer, A., Rondeaux, JF., Zastavni, D. (2019). Structural Assessment of Masonry Arches Using Admissible Geometrical Domains. In: Aguilar, R., Torrealva, D., Moreira, S., Pando, M.A., Ramos, L.F. (eds) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. RILEM Bookseries, vol 18. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_116
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_116
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