The arch bridge forms an important part of our infrastructure, and mai
ntenance of the bridge stock is becoming increasingly expensive. This
paper presents the results of a nondestructive investigation of large
scale model brickwork arches. Experiments were undertaken on brickwork
are hes using modal testing. The key features detected were: the effe
ct of load on the backfill's surface, and the effect of spandrel wall
separation from the arch itself. Mode shapes, fundamental frequencies,
and damping ratios are presented for both qualitative and quantitativ
e analysis of arch behaviour. Changes in these parameters were used to
detect defects in the structures; as such the method may prove useful
as a tool to assist civil engineers currently undertaking major bridg
e inspections.