The numerical analysis of response and stability of stone masonry bridges in Azan (Aizanoi) antique city in Kütahya province of Turkey

Abstract

Azan (Aizanoi) antique city was first established by Phrygians and later become a part of Roman Empire. This city was the first city in the world to introduce the flood protection measures by constructing dams and embankment walls. Two of the four stone masonry bridges are remaining and they are still used today. The authors have performed some site investigations and surveying of these remaining stone bridges. In this study, the response and stability of stone bridges are investigated using finite element method under various loading conditions and the results of the investigations and analyses are presented and discussed. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London