Limit load of a masonry arch bridge based on finite element frictional contact analysis Limit load of a masonry arch bridge based on finite element frictional contact analysis Πλήρης Δημοσίευση σε Συνέδριο Conference Full Paper 2015-10-122005enThe limit load of a stone arch bridge can be identified by the lack of solvability of a finite element analysis including contact interfaces that simulate potential cracks. Opening or sliding at some of them indicates crack initiation. The ultimate load has been calculated by using a path - following (load incrementation) technique. The method is applied on the Strathmashie stone bridge and the results are comparable with the ultimate failure load prediction of the collapse mechanism method and with experimental data published in the literature.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/5th GRACM International Congress on Computational Mechanics Stavroulakis Georgios Σταυρουλακης Γεωργιος G.A. Drosopoulos C.V. Massalas Applied mechanics Engineering, Mechanical mechanics applied applied mechanics engineering mechanical