Discussion on Calculation Methods for Load Bearing Capacity of Concrete Arch Bridges

It has been suggested that the two codes which are commonly used in bridge engineering practice in China, Code for design of highway masonry bridges and culverts and Code for design of highway reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete bridges and culverts, sometimes give a contradictory in-plane load bearing capacity of concrete arch. In this study, we calculated and compared the load bearing capacities of three arch rings and two straight bar members using the formulas specified in both codes. It shows that in some instances, reinforcement results are in a lower load bearing capacity as compared with that without reinforcement. It would be reasonable to suggest that reinforcement can improve the bearing capacity of concrete members. But the results mentioned above are contrary to what might be expected. Based on the results, some implications are suggested for future research.