Description: Masonry arch bridges have proved to be reliable, enduring structures and remain a vital part of the road, rail and waterway infrastructure in the UK and other countries; but they are facing a number of challenges associated with their extended period in service and the changing requirements of modern transport systems.

In order to ensure the continued efficient use of these assets in the future it is necessary to manage and maintain them carefully, with due regard to, and an adequate understanding of, their special characteristics and needs. In a number of important ways these are distinct from those of more modern structures and the effective stewardship of masonry arch bridges requires some specialist knowledge and a particular approach.

This report provides information and guidance which will assist those responsible for this task in achieving their aims.

Keywords: site management, health and safety, ground engineering, water infrastructure, materials technology, transport infrastructure, whole life costing

Contents: Summary, Acknowledgements, Contents, List of figures, List of tables, List of boxes, Glossary, List of Acronyms and Abbreviations, 1 Introduction and background, 1.1 Background, 1.2 Purpose and scope of work, 1.3 Application, 1.4 Issues of special importance for masonry arch bridges, 1.5 How to use this report, 2 Bridge construction and performance, 2.1 History of masonry arch bridges, 2.2 Structural elements, 2.3 Construction materials, 2.4 Structural behaviour, 2.5 Loss of bridge performance, 3 Bridge management and condition appraisal, 3.1 The need for masonry arch bridge management, 3.2 Consequences of loss of performance, 3.3 General principles of asset management, 3.4 Managing bridge maintenance, 3.5 Environmental management, 3.6 Sources of bridge information, 3.7 Bridge inspection, 3.8 Bridge investigation and monitoring, 3.9 Interpreting inspection and investigation results, 3.10 Structural assessment, 4 Selecting and carrying out bridge works, 4.1 Health and safety considerations, 4.2 Environmental considerations, 4.3 Preventative, remedial and strengthening measures, 4.4 New masonry arch bridges, 5 Summary and recommendations, 5.1 Recommendations for Good Practice, 5.2 Areas Requiring Further Research and Future Needs, References, Appendix A Case Studies, A.1 Saddling and repair of Elsage Farm bridge, A.2 Cross-country Route Bridge Strengthening Works, A.3 Rockshaw Road Overbridge - Pier Repair of a Three Span Masonry Arch, A.4 Ecological Issues when Working on a bridge in Wales, A.5 Sympathetic repair of Brynich Aqueduct, A.6 Refurbishment of Berwyn Viaduct, A.7 Strengthening and Refurbishment of Hungerford Canal Bridge, A.8 Assessment of Llanharan Bridge using Discrete Element Analysis, A.9 Strengthening of Gumley Road Bridge using Retrofitted Reinforcement, A.10 Repairs to Caergwrle Packhorse Bridge, A.11 Reconstruction of Brick Arch Bridges on the Chesterfield Canal, A.12 Egglestone Abbey Bridge Strengthening and Repairs, Appendix B Bridge condition assessment guidelines, Appendix C Bridge assessment methods, C.1 Assessment Methods, C.2 Verification of Solid Mechanics Methods, C.3 Simulation of Masonry, Appendix D Specialist and monitoring techniques, Appendix E Health, safety and environmental legislation, Appendix F Repair and strengthening techniques, F.1 Arch Distortion Remedial Works, F.2 Arch Grouting, F.3 Backfill Replacement or Reinforcement, F.4 Concrete Saddle, F.5 Parapet upgrading, F.6 Patch Repair of masonry, F.7 Prefabricated Liners, F.8 Relieving Slabs, F.9 Retro-Reinforcement, F.10 Spandrel Tie Bars / Patress Plates, F.11 Sprayed Concrete lining, F.12 Spandrel Wall Strengthening (‘Stratford Method’), F.13 Thickening Surfacing, F.14 Through-Ring Stitching, F.15 Underpinning, F.16 Waterproofing & Drainage Improvements