Structural investigation of masonry arch bridges using various nonlinear finite-element modelsStructural investigation of masonry arch bridges using various nonlinear finite-element models Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2024-03-042022enThis article presents an investigation of the structural behavior of a masonry arch bridge in Turkey. An analytical study has been conducted to provide the geometry of the structure, using laser scanning. A point cloud describing the geometry was obtained and properly transformed into a format that is appropriate for structural analysis software (CAE). Then, nonlinear finite-element models were developed to simulate structural responses of the bridge. The goal of the article is to highlight the influence of both continuum and discrete approaches and related constitutive laws on the responses of the bridge. Thus, continuum damage laws and a discrete model consisting of unilateral contact–friction interfaces were developed. Different load cases were tested and a comparison between the results obtained from the different approaches was considered. The failure mechanisms and the ultimate strengths were derived, and core points of the models were highlighted. The output of this work shows how the different failure models predict the behavior of the masonry arches. It also shows that the three-hinge mechanism, which has been depicted in classical studies for single-span arch masonry bridges under a horizontal settlement of supports, may also be obtained for multiarch bridges. Similarly, downward, vertical settlement of supports may result in the development of two hinges, as in single-span arches. Finally, the beneficial influence of the backfill in limiting the failure in the arch is addressed.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Journal of Bridge Engineering277 Tapkin Serkan Tercan Emre Motsa Siphesihle Mpho Drosopoulos Georgios Δροσοπουλος Γεωργιος Stavroulaki Maria Σταυρουλακη Μαρια Maravelakis Emmanuel Stavroulakis Georgios Σταυρουλακης Γεωργιος American Society of Civil Engineers Masonry arch bridge Terrestrial laser scanning Unilateral contact-friction Continuum damage model Discrete element method