INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT OF MASONRY ARCH BRIDGES USING THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS TECHNIQUE

This paper describes a programme of research into the application of t he dynamic stiffness technique, based upon the frequency response func tion, for investigating the integrity of masonry arches. Brief account s are given of the theoretical basis, the test procedure and the analy sis technique. The experimental programme is discussed and various res ults are presented Wh ich demonstrate the influence of applied loading on the dynamic stiffness of prototype masonry arches. The results obt ained from a sound and a defective arch are compared. It is concluded that the dynamic stiffness technique provides a vapid and effective me ans of assessing the physical condition of masonry arches.