Nonlinear finite element analysis of masonry arch bridges reinforced with FRP

Many bridges built of modern materials, such as steel-reinforced concrete, have required extensive repair after being in service for a relatively short period of their design life. A novel precast masonry arch bridges reinforced with FRP strips were developed to improve the structural sustainability. This flexible masonry concrete arch system requires no centering in the construction phase or steel reinforcement in the long-term. The arch is constructed from a 'flat pack' system by use of a polymer reinforcement for supporting the dead load but behaves as a masonry arch once in place. A nonlinear finite element model based on commercial software-ABAQUS for the masonry arch bridges was established in this paper, which was validated with the previous experimental results. The results from numerical analysis were used to discuss the structural behaviours of this novel flexible masonry concrete arch system under static patch load and dynamic tyre loads, including the deformation and stress distribution. In the investigation of nonlinear finite element results, it was found that the arch had a load carrying capacity far in excess of the predictions provided by current design standards. Furthermore, this paper reveals that the FRP strips connected with the voussoirs enhanced the loading capacities significantly.