Tanaro Bridge: Dynamic Tests on a Couple of Spans

The Tanaro Bridge, an 18-span 225-m long bridge on the Tanaro River in northwestern Italy, presented the following elements of interest: (1) the barrel divided into adjacent arches; and (2) transverse tie bars and internal spandrels connecting the three parts of the barrels. Its demolition, in 2003, gave the opportunity of performing dynamic tests on a couple of spans at two stages of demolition: (1) fill removed; and (2) fill and internal spandrels removed. Without the uncertain contribution of the fill, some features of the mechanical response of masonry bridges are discussed and the efficiency of tie bars and internal spandrels is addressed. The data provided can be useful for safety assessment procedures.