A Preliminary Case Study on the Dynamic Testing of a Masonry Arch Rail Bridge Using a Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing System

Masonry arch bridges are an integral part of the European transportation infrastructure. Regular inspections are essential for preserving the historical significance of these bridges and ensuring their safe operation. Despite recent advancements in assessment techniques, monitoring masonry arch bridges remains a difficult and essential field of research. This article describes field tests conducted in Gavirate, Italy, to preliminary understand the dynamic response of a masonry arch rail bridge to train-induced moving loads, as a proof of concept study. The objective of this field investigation is to quantify the dynamic strain induced by train moving loads and to reveal the dynamic behaviors of the masonry arch bridge using a novel distributed fiber optical sensing-based technique. The results may provide a useful guideline for monitoring masonry arch bridges using distributed fiber optical sensing.