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Coupled Systems Mechanics Volume 10, Number 1, February 2021 , pages 1-19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/csm.2021.10.1.001 |
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Experimental and numerical analysis of the global behaviour of the 1:9 scale model of the Old Bridge in Mostar |
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Mladen Kustura, Hrvoje Smoljanovic, Zeljana Nikolic and Lidija Krstevska
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| Abstract | ||
| Composite nature of the masonry structures in general causes complex and non-linear behaviour, especially in intense vibration conditions. The presence of different types and forms of structural elements and different materials is a major problem for the analysis of these type of structures. For this reason, the analysis of the behaviour of masonry structures requires a combination of experimental tests and non-linear mathematical modelling. The famous UNESCO Heritage Old Bridge in Mostar was selected as an example for the analysis of the global behaviour of reinforced stone arch masonry bridges. As part of the experimental research, a model of the Old Bridge was constructed in a scale of 1:9 and tested on a shaking table platform for different levels of seismic excitation. Non-linear mathematical modelling was performed using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), including the effect of connection elements. The paper presents the horizontal displacement of the top of the arch and the failure mechanism of the Old Bridge model for the experimental and the numerical phase, as well as the comparison of the results. This research provided a clearer insight into the global behaviour of stone arch masonry structures reinforced with steel clamps and steel dowels, which is significant for the structures classified as world cultural heritage. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| combined finite-discrete element methods; reinforced masonry arch structures; steel clamps and dowels | ||
| Address | ||
| Mladen Kustura: Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Hrvoje Smoljanovic: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Split, Croatia Zeljana Nikolic: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Split, Croatia Lidija Krstevska: Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology – IZIIS, University Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia | ||
