A finite element computer program for the analysis of masonry arches

The report describes the first stage in the development of a non-linear finite element program for the analysis of masonry (and other) arch bridges. The main elements of this first stage involve the finite element theory and the structure of the computer program in addition to the data input requirements. A brief review of other related work is also included as are some provisional computer applications. For the present, the computer program must be considered as a research rather than a design tool but it is intended that a second stage of development and testing will lead to a more user-orientated computer program. (A)