ABSTRACT
The Levensauer Bridge near Kiel in northern Germany is replaced by a new construction according to an enlargement of Kiel Canal. To establish limit states for calculation and design, the load-bearing behaviour of the vault under spreading supports has been theoretically and numerically investigated. Small scale tests have been conducted to investigate possible collapse mechanisms and to verify the admissible spreading. The performed small scale tests provide results for arch deflections at vertical displacements to verify a kinematic approach. The analysis of vaulted masonry structures is an extensive topic of research. Structural analysis of vaulted masonry is applied in the specialized field of conservation of historic buildings. Historic masonry arches with adequate dimensions are far less sensitive to cracking than concrete structures. The performed small scale tests provide results for arch deflections at vertical dis-placements to verify a kinematic approach. The results of the small scale tests are focusing on horizontal and vertical displacements of masonry arches.
