An innovative approach for the assessment of masonry bridges based on two new limit analysis theorems

<p>The structural safety of a masonry arch bridge is usually assessed using the so-called kinematic approach. In this paper it is proved that the adoption of the dual static method can be more convenient, since a recent theorem (the <i>Minimum Equilibrated Compression </i>theorem) makes its application straightforward for any kind of arch. Computations are checked via the kinematic method by locating the plastic hinges (as many as needed to form a collapse mechanism) in the sections with maximum compression stress. Thanks to the <i>Consecutive Plastic Hinges </i>theorem, the kinematic multiplier may be then evaluated, using familiar moments of forces, without computing the virtual displacements due to the vertical and horizontal loads acting on the arch.</p>