Modelling with fibre beam elements for load capacity assessment of existing masonry arch bridges

In this work non-linear beam elements with fibre cross-section approach has been adopted for modelling the multi-span masonry arch bridges and evaluating the ultimate capac- ity. This numerical model approach is validated by some recent experiments on masonry prisms under eccentric compression, where it has been demonstrated that the classical hypothesis that plane sections remain plane after deformation is still valid also in the non-linear range, when cracks initiation occurs. This approach is then applied for modelling the main arch of the Ital- ian ancient brick masonry arch bridge. Then, it is also discussed the effect on the ultimate of the C-FRP reinforcement on the ultimate capacity.