Collapse state of elliptical masonry arches after finite displacements of the supports

In this paper, the failure condition of elliptical masonry arches subjected to dead loads in case of finite displacements of the supports is investigated. This is achieved by adopting the kinematic approach of Limit Analysis and considering the deformed configuration of the structure, modelled as a system of rigid blocks in frictional contact. At this aim, a new numerical tool for the evaluation of the horizontal collapse displacement of the springings and of the relative thrust is proposed. An innovative aspect of the proposed modelling consists in the definition of the collapse condition, considering the classical attainment of a kinematic admissible mechanism and including a check regarding the activation of sliding phenomena as well. A parametric survey is carried out to investigate the influence of the involved parameters. Finally, to the advantage of structural engineers, abaci of the horizontal collapse displacement and of the relative thrust are provided.