Influence of masonry adhesion on mechanical performance of arches-walls

Abstract

The combine behavior of masonry arches and walls, which exert an unloading effect on the bearing arches, was analyzed. The finite-element model of the Wallen-Delamot arch was designed for the effect of the load of the overlying masonry. The load action was taken into account both from a combined finite element model with a rigid connection of the arch and overlying masonry, and from the gravitational load transferred to the arch. The dependences of the maximum acting stresses in the arch on the modulus of elasticity of the overlying masonry are constructed, reflecting the behavior of the damaged masonry, which lost rigidity properties. It is shown that when the modulus of elasticity decreases, significant changes occur in the stress-strain state of the entire structure. The obtained results demonstrate that when the arch is loaded with a gravitational load and there are no restrictions on the overlying laying of vertical and horizontal displacements, the stressed state of the arch differs significantly from its state when modeling the entire structure.