The effect of geometric parameters on natural frequencies of Persian brick masonry arches

Abstract

In this paper, several parametric studies were performed on the dynamic behaviour of seven types of Persian brick masonry arches using the finite element method. The studied parameters included the arch types, arch thickness, arch scale, support conditions, and brick arrangement. The finite element models were calibrated using experimental results obtained from operational modal analysis of an arch constructed in the laboratory. The parametric studies have shown that the type of arch significantly affects the natural frequencies. The increasing of arch thickness leads to increase of the natural frequencies. Simply supported arches exhibit reduced natural frequencies, compared to those fixed at their supports. Brick arrangement has little effect on the natural frequency. Finally, an empirical equation for estimating the fundamental frequency of the studied arches was proposed using the obtained results from finite element models. The high accuracy of the empirical equation was tested through measurements on a real full-scale arch. © 2023 Institution of Structural Engineers