On the Collapse of Masonry Arches

In this paper a constitutive equation for masonry arches is defined and its main properties are proven; in this equation to each pair of generalized strains (ε, κ), with ε the extensional strain and κ the curvature change of the centre line, is assigned the pair of generalized internal forces (N,M), where N is the normal force and M the bending moment. Subsequently, the collapse of masonry arches is characterized and the static and kinematic theorems proven. Finally, a method for determining the collapse load in the case of circular arches subjected to their own weight and a vertical point load applied at a point of the extrados is presented. The results obtained, of interest in some applications, are summarized in a series of graphs.