Heterogeneous Limit Analyses for A Real Reinforced Masonry Arch Experimentally Tested In-Situ

This paper presents the limit analysis of a real arch experimentally tested in-situ, considering the effect of Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG) reinforcement. To take into account such an effect, a term of spurious cohesion is added in the standard formulation of limit analysis. The formulation is also extended to solve non-associated problems. Applying this approach to the real arch, initial cohesion among the bricks has been first calibrated through the no-reinforced case. Then, the collapse performance of the SRG-reinforced case has been investigated. According to the results of this case study, the associated formulation predicts an incorrect collapse mechanism as well as an overestimated collapse load. Such an overestimation will remain at a high level despite no occurrence of sliding in the mechanism. Therefore, we recommend a non-associated limit analysis for a more accurate prediction when analyzing a reinforced arch. The results also prove that the approach can also be applied to solve a large-scale problem.