Masonry arch bridges containing internal spandrels

Masonry arch bridges continue to form a vital part of the transport networks of the UK and other countries around the world, where most masonry arch bridges have typically been in service for well over 100 years.

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Research in recent years has predominantly focused on the behaviour of arch bridges containing soil backfill, with much less attention being paid to bridges containing internal spandrel walls, which have different performance characteristics. This project involves numerical modelling studies and parallel medium-scale laboratory tests on bridges containing internal spandrel walls. The aim is to improve our understanding of the behaviour of bridges containing internal spandrel walls, and to develop methods that can be used with confidence by bridge assessment engineers.

Sponsor

NETWORK RAIL LIMITED

Project Dates

Start Date : 30/10/2017
End Date : 01/04/2020 

People Involved

Professor Matthew Gilbert
Dr Colin Smith

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