Photogrammetric 3D modelling and mechanical analysis of masonry arches: An approach based on a discontinuous model of voussoirs

This article shows the application of close range photogrammetry to the generation of accurate 3D geometric models for the subsequent evaluation of the condition state of historical masonry bridge arches by means of numerical analysis. The arch geometry in the model was obtained from each individual voussoir or ashlar with its own contour geometry, which was obtained by close range photogrammetry. From this precise geometrical model, mechanical modelling tools and finite elements analysis were applied to accomplish two main goals: to estimate the failure load considering the arch stability using a discontinuous model of voussoirs assembled without tension at the interfaces, and to obtain the distribution of stresses into each voussoir. The obtained results by means of this procedure are compared with those obtained by rigid blocks limit analysis with regular geometry.

Research Highlights
► Accurate geometric documentation of masonry bridge arches based on terrestrial photogrammetry.
► Mechanical analysis of arches considering a discontinuous model of voussoirs with accurate 3D geometry obtained from terrestrial photogrammetry.
► Comparison between results obtained from FEM by means of accurate 3D geometry and those obtained by rigid blocks limit analysis with regular geometry.
► Application of this methodology in a patrimonial structure: a medieval bridge.