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Mechanics of MEXE method for masonry arch bridge assessment

Wang, Jinyan; Melbourne, Clive

Authors

Jinyan Wang

Clive Melbourne



Abstract

The assessment of the load-carrying capacity of a masonry arch bridge has traditionally been undertaken using the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE) method (or a modified version of this), which has its roots in idealised elastic structural modelling. This method has been supplemented by alternative techniques which have emerged over the last 25 years. These techniques have highlighted some apparent shortcomings of the MEXE method. The present paper presents a full derivation of the fundamental equations published by Pippard, which were used to underpin the MEXE method. These equations are studied in the light of the perceived shortcomings of the method and extended to present new equations that might be used for more general application. Conclusions are presented that will be useful to the assessing engineer.

Citation

Wang, J., & Melbourne, C. (2010). Mechanics of MEXE method for masonry arch bridge assessment. Proceedings of the ICE - Engineering and Computational Mechanics, 163(3), 187-202. https://doi.org/10.1680/eacm.2010.163.3.187

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Sep 1, 2010
Journal Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Engineering and Computational Mechanics
Print ISSN 1755-0777
Electronic ISSN 1747-0785
Publisher Thomas Telford
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 163
Issue 3
Pages 187-202
DOI https://doi.org/10.1680/eacm.2010.163.3.187
Keywords bridges, brickwork, masonry, stress analysis
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/976008
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1680/eacm.2010.163.3.187


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