TRRL is undertaking a research programme to re-examine the present method of assessing the traffic load carrying capacity of brick and stone arch bridges (usually referred to as the Mexe method). the programme consists of the development of theoretical models, and full and model scale load tests to collapse. This report describes the fifth and sixth in a planned series of about ten full scale tests. Torksey bridge was a three ring brick arch with a span of 4.90 m and was in poor condition. Shinafoot bridge was a random rubble masonry bridge with a span of 6.16 m and was in reasonably good condition. Load was applied at road surface level on a 'line' the full width of the bridges at a quarter span. Torksey bridge collapsed due to a snap-through of three hinges after a maximum load of 1080 km was applied. Shinafoot bridge collapsed as a four hinged mechanism after a maximum load of 2524 km was applied. The report describes the tests and compares the experimental results with theoretical analyses. (Author/publisher)
Abstract