Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)

Vol-3, Issue-6, 2017

ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

Repairing and Strengthening Techniques

for Historic Masonry Arch Bridges
Mr. Anand R. Chavan 1 ,Prof. D. B. Desai 2 & Dr. A. K. Gupta 3
1
PG Student, Civil Engineering Department, Dr.J.J.Magdum College of Engineering,
Jaysingpur, Maharashtra, India.
2
Associate Prof., Dr.J.J.Magdum College of Engineering, Jaysingpur, Maharashtra, India.
3
Principal & Prof., Dr.J.J.Magdum College of Engineering, Jaysingpur, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract: Historic Bridges have been important carry a load that is radically different from that when
throughout history in connecting cultures, sharing they were constructed.
ideas, and providing the backbone of transportation The condition of masonry arch bridges can vary
networks. It is necessary to restore and preserve from good to very poor, but nevertheless they have
these structures for their particular functionality and proven durability with life-cycle costs significantly
cultural heritage value. Masonry arch bridges are lower than the majority of other structure types.
found throughout the world. Many have both an Total replacement of deteriorated masonry
important function for the infrastructure and an bridges is generally unnecessary and is also
important heritage value. Due to prolonged expensive and therefore maintenance strategies
weathering, environmental forces, wars, increased should promote solutions that preserve and restore
live loads, and other causes of damages, a large arch structures. In order that the railways may
number of these bridges require repair and accommodate increased axle loads, train speeds and
strengthening works. The dissertation work consists a greater volume of freight traffic, it is necessary to
of study of various Repairing and Strengthening assess the load carrying capacity of existing masonry
Techniques For Historic Masonry Arch Bridge with arch bridges. Assessment of masonry arch bridges is
case study. fraught with difficulties as there is little knowledge
or experience of the design of arch structures to
1. Introduction modern standards, and such structures may have
Most of masonry arch bridges, not only in parts hidden from view. The hidden parts, however,
India but world over, are more than 80-100 years old. influence the structural behavior and have a major
After advent of concrete, masonry arch bridges are effect on the load carrying capacity of these bridges.
no more being constructed. Contrary to doubts, To provide confidence in the assessment result,
masonry arch bridges are proving durable with life- reliable input parameters are required. Accordingly
cycle costs significantly more economical than for effective inspection and measuring methods to
the majority of other type of structure. Masonry arch establish the parameters are necessary. In addition to
bridges are part of our heritage. To preserve our visual inspections, there has been a tendency in
heritage and to utilize these bridges to their recent years towards the use of non-destructive
maximum capacity, understanding of arch bridges is testing techniques and destructive investigation to
vital. As no more masonry arch bridges are being establish the necessary dimensional and material
constructed in modern times, engineers have parameters.
forgotten the old thumb rule methods of their design
and also there are no common software available 2. Masonry Arch Bridge Construction
which can analyse the arch bridges correctly taking Stone, brick and other such materials are
into account effect of fill, spandrel walls etc. The strong in compression and somewhat so in shear, but
design of these structures was based on empirical cannot resist much force in tension. As a result,
rules which were too conservative, this has resulted masonry arch bridges are designed to be constantly
in structures with an inherent ability to withstand the under compression, so far as is possible. Each arch is
applied loads and extreme weathering conditions. constructed over a temporary timber frame, known as
Masonry arch bridges form an integral part of the a centering. In the first compression arch bridges, a
railway infrastructure. They are the oldest structure keystone in the middle of the bridge bore the weight
type of the railway bridge population with thousands of the rest of the bridge. The more weight that was
still in service despite their age and the significant put onto the bridge, the stronger its structure became.
changes in loading conditions that have occurred Masonry arch bridges use a quantity of fill material
since their construction. Today many masonry arches above the arch in order to increase this dead-weight
on the bridge and prevent tension from occurring in

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)
Vol-3, Issue-6, 2017
ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

the arch ring as loads move across the bridge. Other in when floods subside disguising any undercutting
materials that were used to build this type of bridge of the foundation.
were brick and unreinforced concrete. When
masonry (cut stone) is used the angles of the faces 3.3 Floods
are cut to minimize shear forces. Where random In areas of frequent flooding or where large
masonry is used they are mortared together and the floods have been reported, damage to bridges is
mortar is allowed to set before the false work is almost certain. During floods, large lateral forces are
removed. subjected to bridge from the hydrodynamic pressures
There are two fundamental structural problems as well as large objects such as trees the water may
when building with masonry how to achieve height be carrying. These forces, particularly impact forces,
and how to span an opening, i.e. how to span vertical can cause much damage to the structure. Stones or
and horizontal spaces. Spanning vertically is done by bricks may be broken off from the bridge and mortar
using columns, walls and towers, and spanning eroded away. As mentioned previous, stream bed and
horizontally is done by using lintels, beams and surrounding banks will also experience eroding
arches. In addition, some structural elements such as which can lead to instability.
vaults and domes can simultaneously span vertically
and horizontally. The arch is one of the older forms 3.4 Earthquakes
of bridge. It is rather like an inverted suspension The damages due to earthquakes typically
bridge, with all the tensions replaced by occur on the mid-span of the main arches as cracking
compressions. Masonry arches, being made of and the separation of the roadway. Stone and other
relatively big voussoirs joined by mortar cannot take such materials are strong in compression and
tension and need continuous support during somewhat so in shear, but cannot resist much force in
construction from below. tension as thus the masonry arch bridge is designed
When the centering has been removed, or struck, to be constantly under compression. However, an
the arch will inevitably settle slightly. This is earthquake will not only introduce vertical loading
inevitable, because it can only generate the required but also lateral loads and tensile stresses.
compressive forces by undergoing some strain. All Consequently, lateral displacements, cracking and
structures, in fact, must deflect when temporary lose of masonry units may occur and cause damage.
support is removed. Earthquakes are not a leading cause of damages in
masonry arch bridges, but should be considered.

3. Damages and failures of Masonry 3.5 Deterioration of Masonry Materials

Bridge

3.1 Support settlements

When piers or abutments settle, typically
large cracks will occur on the span of the arch and
movements throughout the structure. Settlements and
the causes of settlements are often dramatic and can
be seen upon visual inspection. Some reasons for
damages due to support settlements include
Consolidation of subsoils, shrinkage of underlying
clays and the presence of expansive soils may be
responsible. Figure 3.1: Deterioration of Masonry Material

3.2 Scour If masonry materials have poor performance

Scour of foundations is one of the most against environmental conditions, they will
common causes of damage and failure in masonry deteriorate and cause damages to the bridge. These
arch bridges in waterways. Scour is the erosion of the damages usually take place over a prolonged period
stream bed around and from under the foundations of of time. Deterioration may also be induced by
a bridge. Results of scoring can cause severe loading affects, such as crushing. Weak masonry can
settlements and/or movements in the bridge, leading lead to cracking, settlements, movements or even the
to development of hinges and possible collapse. It development of hinges
may be difficult to detect in earlier stages because it
is likely to be at its worst when the river is in flood
conditions and the access to the underwater
foundations is impossible. Scour holes may then fill

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)
Vol-3, Issue-6, 2017
ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

3.6 Vegetation been mapped using the core sample, the core may
also be used for samples to test material properties in
the laboratory. This is particularly useful for
determining the type of mortar and fill materials that
are in the bridge. If appropriate, the drilled hole may
also be used in the case of anchoring interventions, to
allow for minimal disruption to the structure.

4.4 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

An ultrasonic pulse velocity test is an in-situ,
nondestructive test to check the quality of concrete
and natural rocks. In this test, the strength and
quality of concrete or rock is assessed by measuring
Figure 3.2: Vegetation Can Grow in Bridge the velocity of an ultrasonic pulse passing through a
concrete structure or natural rock formation. This test
Without regular maintenance, vegetation can is conducted by passing a pulse of ultrasonic wave
grow in the bridge. Vegetation can affect both the through concrete to be tested and measuring the time
appearance and stability of the bridge. Particularly taken by pulse to get through the structure. Higher
heavy rooted plants will cause contractions within velocities indicate good quality and continuity of the
the masonry, leading to cracking and further material, while slower velocities may indicate
damages. If vegetation has the opportunity to grow concrete with many cracks or voids.
large, removal of vegetation can be dangerous itself,
as roots may be now holding together portions of 5. Repairing and strengthening
masonry or filling voids that may otherwise collapse.
techniques
5.1 Pressure pointing and grouting
4. Investigation and Testing Methods This is economical method and one usually
involving little traffic disruption. Grouting of the
4.1 Rebound Hammer contained ground above and behind an arch can be a
A rebound hammer involves tapping a useful measure: with suitable receptive grounds (not
hammer with consistent force and interpreting the high in clay or silt) and in the absence of
sound and rebound of the hammer. It can be used to complications such as drainage systems, the method
detect separations or large voids near the surface and is very effective and very economical
uniformity. It is simple to use and inexpensive, It increases the assessment factor to 0.9 and
however it has no direct relationship to strength or improves the arch ring condition factor by filling
deformation. cracks and voids in the extrados. Grout quantities can
be hard to predict and considerable variation is to be
4.2 Load Testing expected.
Load testing is simply applying test loads to
the bridge to determine if it has adequate capacity.
This is typically done with vehicles. A lighter vehicle 5.2 Stone Pitching
is first loaded on the bridge followed by an increase Stone pitching is a more primitive way of
in the number of vehicles or the tonnage of the gaining the effects of underpinning or invert slabs.
vehicle. Observations are made and any noticeable Large stones are placed on the river bed at the base
Deformation revealed damages are reported. of the piers to protect against scouring. The size of
rocks depends on their shape (to provide good
4.3 Sampling and Coring interlocking) and the speed of water flow. It is
Sampling and coring is helpful in recommended that they are placed 0.5m below
understanding the morphology of the masonry. normal river bed level and may be embedded in
Sometimes a few bricks or stones can be removed concrete if the engineer deems necessary. In faster
and the inner of the structure can be surveyed flows they should extend across the river bed to the
photographically and the section of the wall can be opposite pier.
drawn. However, if this does not provide acceptable The method is very low cost and simple to
results or is undesirable for other reasons, coring design and install. Traffic is not disrupted except in
may be done. This is beneficial as it can be done the case the rocks are lowered by equipment on the
through the full section of the bridge to understand road service; a very short disruption. It is unlikely
the condition of the inner section. Coring is done by services will be affected.
drilling out a core of material. Once the typology has

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)
Vol-3, Issue-6, 2017
ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

5.3 Sprayed concrete fully filled in to maintain the increased section across
the whole arch.

5.5 Tie bars

Tie bars are used to restrain further outward
movement of spandrel walls. They consist of a bar
passing through the full width of the bridge, with
pattress plates at each end, generally secured by a nut
and washer, to provide the restraint to the wall. If the
arch ring requires strengthening at the same time a
more common solution is to use a concrete saddle
which will also relieve the spandrel wall of outward
forces.

Figure 5.1: Sprayed Concrete Operation 5.6 Underpinning

Underpinning is similar to invert slabs and
Sprayed concrete is traditionally used to increase involves excavating of soil and other material from
the thickness of the arch ring in an effort to increase beneath the existing foundations and replacing with
load capacity and to stabilize and protect weathered mass concrete. Underpinning is useful in stabilizing
masonry. The sprayed concrete is usually applied to the foundation, preventing future damage from scour
the existing intrados of the arch ring. In some rare or settlement. It is also useful for bridges where
cases, however, the original intrados ring of masonry stream beds have been lowered, whether by natural
is removed and replaced with a sprayed concrete causes or by dredging to provide deeper water for
lining to prevent loss of clearance under the arch. ships. Reinforcement is not always necessary in the
This method will require temporary formwork and mass concrete itself, however, it may be important to
longer road closure. Other methods of strengthening tie the concrete into the existing foundation and if
may be more efficient. The sprayed concrete is often used in conjunction with an invert slab, it is
used in conjunction with a reinforcing mesh. necessary to tie into the slab as well.

5.4 Pre-Fabricated Liners 5.7 Stone Pitching

Stone pitching is a more primitive way of
gaining the effects of underpinning or invert slabs.
Large stones are placed on the river bed at the base
of the piers to protect against scouring. The size of
rocks depends on their shape (to provide good
interlocking) and the speed of water flow. It is
recommended that they are placed 0.5m below
normal river bed level and may be embedded in
concrete if the engineer deems necessary. In faster
flows they should extend across the river bed to the
opposite pier.
The method is very low cost and simple to
design and install. Traffic is not disrupted except in
the case the rocks are lowered by equipment on the
road service; a very short disruption. It is unlikely
Figure 5.2: Sprayed Concrete Operation services will be affected.

Prefabricated liners are typically made of 5.8 Invert Slab

corrugated metal or glass reinforced cement and An invert slab is a slab of concrete placed
attached to the intrados of the arch. The space between the abutment walls or piers with its top
between the liner and arch ring is filled with concrete surface at or below river bed level (older versions
or grout. The liners provide an increase in load may be built of masonry). It helps to prevent scour. If
capacity by supporting the arch and giving it more incorrectly installed however, there is a risk of scour
resistance. With the concrete between the liner and beneath the slab, particularly at its downstream end.
arch ring the thickness of the arch is increased which
in turn also increases the load capacity. In addition, 5.9 Rebuilding
when filling the space between the existing arch and Sometimes a simple solution to major damages
liner, cracks, missing mortar and voids will also be in masonry bridges is reconstruction or part
filled in. Care must be taken to ensure the space is reconstruction. This can done to any part of the

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)
Vol-3, Issue-6, 2017
ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

bridge but some areas can be more difficult than Bridge”,9th International Conference on
others. This approach is not highly regarded for Structural Analysis of Historical
bridges of cultural and historical importance, as Constructions ,Vol. 14, pp 1-15.
many claim the bridge loses its authenticity. Part
reconstruction may be more acceptable when it 3. Carl Brooke , Dr. Graham Tilly, (1999),
respects the original aspects of the bridge. “Novel Method Of Strengthening Masonry
Arch Bridges”, structural faults and repairs-
6.9 Routine Maintenance 1999, pp 1-10.
Routine maintenance consists of Keeping the
road surface in a good condition to maintain the 4. Cases Joan, (2011),“Reliability-based
waterproofing and to minimise dynamic loading assessment of masonry arch bridges”,
from traffic due to pot holes, Removing vegetation construction and building materials, Vol-25,
growing on the structure, Repairing small areas of pp 1621-1631.
deteriorated mortar.
5. Darby J, (2008),“Repair, strengthening and
replacement”, ICE Manual of Bridge
Conclusion Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers,
The designer of a conservation project should pp 695-728.
proceed in such a way so as to respect the need for
both performance improvements and cultural 6. Gyula Bogoly, (2004), “Diagnostic of stone
heritage preservation. The ideas in this dissertation masonry arch bridges”,Conference of
were presented in such a way so as to help the Junior Researchers in Civil Engineering, pp
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two criteria. Conservation projects should first begin
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bridge. These are important steps in understanding the effect of different repair method
the condition and behaviour of the bridge and the applying on masonry arch bridges”,
information collected will allow the engineer to Structural Analysis of Historic Construction
assess the bridge and determine the best course of – D’Ayala & Fodde2008 Taylor & Francis
action. In addition, accurate dimensional data for the Group, London.
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inspection, for further material properties non- For Historic Bridge Rehabilitation And
destructive tests may be used, before the decision for Replacement”, 1st Edition ,American
the use of any repairing techniques is quite necessary transportation publication, America
to establish and to understand the causes of the
damages. 9. Rodrigo Fernandez, (2014),“Rehabilitation
In conjunction with the any strengthening and of Historic Masonry Bridges lessons
repairing techniques, consideration of adequate Learned from a Medieval Bridge in
waterproofing and drainage should always be Northeast spain”, Revista Construction
included. The effects of water on masonry structures, Journal of Construction ,volume14, issue2,
particularly on the internal materials, contribute to a Pag13
significant portion of the structural problems that 10. Stephen W, (2010), “The Rehabilitation Of
may occur over a prolonged period of time. Regular Short Span Masonry Arch Highway Bridges
general maintenance of a bridge is also important in Using Near-Surface Reinforcement”, 8th
preserving the integrity and stability and preventing International Conference on Short and
further damages from incurring. Medium Span Bridge Niagara Falls,
Canada. Vol.75, pp.1-11

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“Diagnosis And Structural Rehabilitation
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