The objective of this work was to develop an optimisation design method for arch bridges based on their modal characteristics. The investigation involved studying the relationship between the resonant frequencies, which are related to the overall stiffness and mass, and the ultimate capacity of the structures.

Natural frequency and dynamic direct implicit time integration analyses were performed to determine the resonant frequencies and analyse the structures response to the impact loading, respectively. The structures ultimate load capacity, under different loading, was also investigated using elasto-plastic non-linear finite element analysis techniques.

It was found that ultimate capacities of the arches are related to their resonant frequencies. For vertical loading, the arches with span-depth ratios of 4 and 5 have the highest resonant frequencies and ultimate load capacities. The method is simple and can be applied to other structures to provide a basic tool for design optimisation.

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