A simple analytical study of masonry viaducts

A new, simplified model of behaviour for masonry viaducts is proposed in this article. It recognises that the structural material at the head of a column, comprised of the arch and its backing, forms a very stiff component of the viaduct. The influence of this stiffness is demonstrated qualitatively through the use of two-dimensional, linear elastic finite element models. The implications from such analyses are considered in the context of explaining the reasons behind common forms of damage.