Evaluation of bearing capacity of multi-span spandrel-braced stone arch bridge based on static load test

Abstract

: Stone arch bridge is an important type in the early bridge construction process because of its beautiful shape, material saving and economic rationality. However, stone material will deteriorate after long-term operation, which results in a decrease in strength and bearing capacity of stone arch bridge. The vehicle load is increasing at the same time. Therefore, accurate evaluation of bearing capacity of stone arch bridge is essential to ensure safety. In this article, a three-span open-spandrel stone arch bridge was taken as research object. Firstly, the bridge damages were investigated and analyzed in detail, and bridge service state was evaluated. Then, based on the evaluation results of disease damages and considering stone material deterioration, a refined finite element model of stone arch bridge was established to analyze bending moment, axial force, strain and deformation. Finally, static load test was carriedouttotestverticaldeformationandstressofarchring,horizontaldisplacementofpier,settlement offoundationanddevelopmentofcracks.Theresultsshowthatstaticloadtestisthemostaccuratemethodforevaluatingbearingcapacityofstonearchbridge.Theevaluationaccuracyoffiniteelement modelbasedonmaterialcorrectionisinthemiddle,andtheevaluationaccuracyofdiseasedamage assessment is the worst. In practical work, bearing capacity of stone arch bridge can be evaluated by combining the three methods with high accuracy and comprehensive results.