Miss Chloe Woolley (she/they)

Research Project Title: The 3D Behaviour of Masonry Arch Bridges. 

My research aims to reduce the knowledge gap surrounding masonry arch bridges, enabling better strategies to repair and strengthen them. Despite tens of thousands of these structures existing across the UK and Europe, there is a lack of detailed guidance on how to build, assess the capacities of, or maintain them. Many of these bridges are historical, having exceeded their original design life and been subjected to modern traffic loads that were not anticipated when they were built. As a result, there is a pressing need to evaluate whether they remain fit for purpose and safe for continued use. The core of my work involves testing scale models to gain a deeper understanding of how skew masonry arch bridges perform in all dimensions. This experimental approach will help refine and validate existing numerical modelling software, improving its accuracy in predicting the performance of these structures. With enhanced models, we can assess the load-bearing capacity of existing bridges, identify potential weaknesses, and make more informed decisions about necessary strengthening measures. Ultimately, this research aims to not only improve the tools we use to assess masonry arch bridges but also contribute to the development of better building codes and standards for future construction. More importantly, it will help preserve these historical structures for future generations. By focusing on repair and strengthening rather than replacement, we can reduce the embodied carbon associated with bridge projects, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and preserve our built heritage.
 

Masonry, Stone, Arches, vaults, sustainability, low carbon materials, historical structures