Structural Failure of Masonry Arch Bridges Subjected to Seismic Action

This study investigates the seismic response of a historical arch bridge using a macro-modelling technique in Finite Element (FE) software ABAQUS. A comprehensive investigation involving documentary sources and on-site assessments has facilitated a thorough understanding of the case study, the Halilviran bridge. 3D finite element models incorporating damage plasticity behavior were constructed for the FE model. The masonry units were modelled with the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) material model, and the backfill was developed with the Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) material model. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was utilized to predict the progression of damage to the bridge and determinate the most susceptible structural components. The seismic performance of the case study was evaluated through an examination of the outcomes utilizing contour plots depicting tensile damage, maximum displacements, and energy calculated from the tensile damage. The findings indicate that the spandrel walls, which are interconnected with the pier, and the inner section of the arches represent the most vulnerable components of masonry bridges, the failure of which heightens the risk of progressive collapse of the bridge.