Quantitative evaluation of stability changes in historical stone bridges in Kagoshima,Japan, by weathering

This study deals with a weathering problem of historic arch stone bridges built of welded tuff about 150 years ago in Kagoshima, Japan. Based on a detailed comprehensive weathering evaluation we previously carried out, the way in which the weathering affects the structural stability of the bridges is quantitatively evaluated herein by using a distinct element method (DEM).The suitability of this method of analysis was confirmed through a comparison of the numerical analysis results with the in situ load testing data. The analysis results show that when considering the stability of a stone bridge, the slide safety factor and eccentric safety factor are more important than the compressive safety factor. That is, the types of possible failure include sliding and openings between arch blocks. In 150 years of weathering, the shear stress in the arch ring generally increased about 20%. The eccentric safety factor decreased about 9%, from 4.35 to 3.97, and the slide safety factor decreased about 20%, from 8.02 to 6.46. Deflections at the arch crown increased about two times, from 0.60 to 1.28 mm. Despite these changes, the stone bridges are considered to be still in a good condition after 150 years of weathering.