A method of increasing arch bridge capacity economically

Bituminous road pavement overlays are proposed as a method of increasing economically the load-carrying capacity of masonry arch bridges. A codified MEXE analysis, a computerized mechanism method, and simple finite-element analysis confirm the increase in arch capacity arising from a pavement overlay. Stress dispersal analyses are used to show the benefits of such overlays. A 0.10 m overlay was shown to increase the arch's load capacity by 61%, for that particular geometry only, while decreasing the vertical stress on the arch by 21%. Cost data are presented for the typical pavement overlays analysed. The use of pavement overlays, where feasible, is shown to be economical while giving beneficial load-carrying capacity increases. The paper is intended to show how the cost of rehabilitating some of those arches currently failing routine assessments in the UK can be reduced.