Adrienn K. Tomor, and Joseph M. Packhem
Adrienn K. Tomor, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK, Adrienn.tomor@uwe.ac.uk
Joseph M. Packhem, Piers Engineers, Inc., 181 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Wisconsin, USA, jmp@pierceengineers.com
ABSTRACT
Masonry arch bridges were widely built up to the 1920s in Europe and the US and carry far heavier loads than they were designed for. Engineers and bridge managers have the responsibility of maintaining their bridge stock in safe condition and ensuring their continued use in the traffic network. Very little guidance and knowledge are however available on masonry arch bridges for practitioners around the world. In order to enable limited resources to be shared internationally, a draft review of national codes, guidelines, technical notes, books, etc. has been undertaken, that are accessible for the industry. Literature on inspection, analysis, maintenance, design and construction has been included from Europe, US, Canada and China. In order to address the lack of information and guidance on the subject, a strategic approach needs to be considered. Sharing limited resources, improving education and targeting needs are the first steps towards advancing the knowledge of masonry arch bridges internationally.
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