Dynamic Analysis of Historical Masonry Arch Bridges under Different Earthquakes: The Case of Murat Bey Bridge

Abstract

Historical structures which are cultural heritage have been frequently damaged or ruined because of unexpected events such as earthquakes. Masonry arch bridges constitute a significant part of historical structures. In this study, the single-span Murat Bey Bridge in the province of Kütahya, built in 1460, was selected as a numerical application. Three dimensional finite element model of the bridge was generated with SAP2000 finite element program. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge were obtained by modal analysis method. Firstly, static analysis of the bridge under its own weight was carried out. Then, time-history analysis method was used for seismic evaluation of the bridge. For this purpose, the acceleration records of the 1998 Adana, 2003 Bingöl, 2011 Van and 2020 Elazığ earthquakes were taken into consideration. As a result of the dynamic analyses carried out, the displacement and stress graphs occurring on the bridge were examined. The highest displacement and stress values on the historical bridge were obtained from the acceleration records of the 2011 Van earthquake.

Examination of the Seismic Behavior of the Historical Yeşildere Bridge

“…Yılmaz et al [6] examined the Murat Bey Bridge, a single-span historical masonry bridge. They created a three-dimensional FEM model of the bridge using the SAP2000 [7] program and analyzed it statically, modally, and through time history.…”