Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of the Historical Ss Filippo E Giacomo Masonry Arch Bridge in Ascoli Piceno (Italy)

Abstract

The bridge was built in 14th century and had undergone very complex vicissitudes related mainly to exceptional floods; it was partially rebuilt twice and other strengthening works were carried out over the time. The bridge, which is almost completely built with travertine blocks, has a total length of 146 m and follows a slightly curved path. Six arches, the main of which is semi-circular with span of 25 m and the others are lancet arches with span of about 8 m, support the carriageway that is about 8 m wide. The piers and abutments are founded on the bedrock and consequently some piers are deeply embedded in the sandy gravel deposit. A 3D numerical Finite Element Model has been developed integrating data available from the geometric survey and calibrating the mechanical parameters starting from experimental tests. The global seismic vulnerability of the bridge has been evaluated comparing the capacity curves of the bridge obtained by means a static nonlinear pushover analysis with the Italian Standard seismic demand. In addition, local vulnerability verifications of spandrel walls have been carried out by means a linear kinematic analysis.