This paper aims to investigate the effects of geometrical imperfections on the
response of a scaled dry-joint arch to the vertical displacement of one support. The arch
behaviour was analysed in the large displacement regime using both physical and numerical
modelling. The experimental tests were performed on 1:10 small-scale models made of bi-
component composite blocks with dry joints. In order to evaluate the geometrical accuracy of
the blocks, two different sets of voussoirs were produced. The numerical simulations were
carried out using a finite element (FE) micro-modelling approach, where the arch was
modelled as an assembly of very stiff voussoirs connected by nonlinear interfaces. Particular
attention was paid to the interface stiffness, which was set so as to tune the numerical model
with the experimental evidence. Experimental and numerical results were then compared in
terms of collapse mechanism, hinge configuration and ultimate displacement capacity. The
imperfections of the physical models were found to significantly affect the arch response.
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the effects of geometrical imperfections on the
response of a scaled dry-joint arch to the vertical displacement of one support. The arch
behaviour was analysed in the large displacement regime using both physical and numerical [...]