The effect of the infill in arched structures: Analytical and numerical modelling

Although arches, vaults and domes were essential structural elements in ancient engineering works, their structural analysis presents a challenge to modern designers. It was well known by the medieval builders that infill is essential for the stability of arched structures. Nevertheless, some disasters occur nowadays due to incorrect infill removal, usually done with the purpose of decreasing the applied load. In the present work a comprehensive analysis of the infill influence on the structural behaviour of arched structures is performed. For this purpose analytical models based on equilibrium considerations and finite elements models are used. Experimental results obtained from the Bargower bridge destructive test, are used to calibrate the numerical results. Some conclusions regarding the structural behaviour of arched structures and modelling strategies are presented.