ABSTRACT
Ponte delle Capre (Goats Bridge) is a masonry arch bridge located in Torrebelvicino (Vicenza, Italy) above the Leogra creek. Its origins are not documented, but it is supposed to date back to XIV century. The bridge is 25 m long and 4.30 m wide; it has one arch: its span is 21 m and the rise 8.50m. The structure is composed of stone masonry and lime mortar. The structure is currently subject to the transit of heavy vehicles, as it is the only access route to a nearby steel carpentry factory. The present study describes the assessment of the structural behavior of the existing bridge, considering static (traffic) and seismic actions, in order to evaluate the safety level and define retrofitting interventions.
The bridge has been analysed through Finite Element Model: a 3D model of the bridge has been built with solid elements (bricks), using MIDAS FEA NX software, starting from the 3D physical layout acquired with laser-scanner methodology and managed using Autodesk Recap Pro software. A deep on-site investigation campaign has been performed to calibrate morphological features and mechanical characteristics of structural materials.
Linear analysis has been initially used for static assessment and dynamic frequencies evaluation; static and seismic nonlinear analysis (pushover) has been then performed, considering the total strain crack model for structural materials.
In conclusion, a proposal for the structural retrofitting of the existing bridge is presented, with the aim of combining structural performance and cultural heritage preservation, by using compatible materials and maintaining the original function of the existing arch.
