Finite element modelling tuned on experimental testing for the structural health assessment of an ancient masonry arch bridge

Abstract

This paper presents the structural health assessment of a railway ancient masonry arch bridge located in Bologna, Italy. A three-dimensional finite element model of the entire bridge, tuned on in situ experimental tests, has been used for the assessment. In particular, the finite element model has been employed to evaluate the structural health of the bridge both in its actual state and in the hypothesis of a structural strengthening intervention. Copyright © 2012 G. Castellazzi et al.