FRP reinforcement of stone arch bridges: Unilateral contact models and limit analysis

A method for the estimation of the limit load and the failure mode of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced stone arch bridges is hereby presented. Unilateral contact interfaces with friction simulating potential cracks are considered in the finite element model of the bridge. FRP strips are then applied to the intrados and/or the extrados of the arch. The possible failure modes of the reinforced structure are sliding of the masonry, crushing, debonding of the reinforcement and FRP rupture. Identical failure modes arise from the computer simulation and from experiments on reinforced arches published in the literature.