Keywords: masonry arch bridges, parametric modelling, Rhino-Grasshopper.

Detailed modelling of masonry arch bridges presents unique computational challenges. Not only do such structures exhibit complex nonlinear behaviour, but they are also difficult to describe within a consistent 3D computational framework for high-fidelity simulations, due to the range of interactive components with varying geometric characteristics. This paper presents a novel parametric model design tool for the generation of detailed 3D FE meshes of realistic masonry viaducts. This tool has been developed according to a modular description as an add-on component within the Rhino – Grasshopper environment. The tool allows for modular complex bridge assemblages with independent definition of the key viaduct parts, including arch barrels, spandrel walls, piers as well as multi-layered fill. Moreover, new components (e.g. skewed arches, end-walls, abutments, complex geometry pier-variants) can be seamlessly introduced into the framework due to its modular nature. Notably, as all components are geometrically addressable, it is possible to further enhance the model generation tool by adding non-standard routines to create more complex geometry than that allowed by current parametric definitions (e.g. arch barrel and spandrel wall with varying thickness, piers with circular segments). The developed strategy enables also variable fidelity model generation, where different segments of the analysed viaduct can be represented by meso- and/or macro-scale masonry descriptions at different levels of detail. This approach further allows for consideration of initial damage in the brick/blockwork, which is a very common feature of many existing masonry bridges.

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