Sixth Scale Model Studies of Masonry Arch Rib Behaviour at Different Eccentricities

This paper reports a validation study involving sixth scale masonry model to replicate prototype tests carried out on five unit high masonry prisms. In order to test the applicability of small masonry models to real life problems, an investigation into masonry behaviour relevant to the serviceability requirement of masonry arch bridges was chosen as prototype test to validate the small scale masonry tests. Only representative masonry specimens were considered in the study; this corresponded to parts of an arch ring in a complete masonry arch. Two mortar designations; designation iv and designation v were used. These weak mortars tend to conform better to existing old structures. Loads were applied at four eccentricities of 0, 5, 9, and 14 mm from the centre of the specimens. This corresponds to e/d ratios of 0, 0.14, 0.25, and 0.39, where e is the eccentricity of the load and d the length of the transverse section of the specimens. The result shows that validation study corresponds with prototype study for low eccentricities; therefore, strength enhancement is seen over the concentric compressive strength. However, this does not apply at higher eccentricities as specimens were noticed to fail by elastic instability characterised by tension debonding of the top mortar joint.