Determination of Stress and Deformation Zones ofHistorical Mus Murat Bridge

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the strength of long span stone bridges and stress areas of a historicalbridge by using finite element method during earthquakes, floods, and vehicle traffic. The possible earthquakeimpact of the region and the behavior of the bridge under the effect of the 2011 Van earthquake were investigated.The stresses that will be caused by hydrostatic and vehicle loading applied to the bridge are dwelled on. This studyaimed to shed light on future restoration work. As a result of the vehicle, hydrostatic load and dead load analysis,the biggest deformation occurred in the arch K9, which has the largest arch span. According to the results of theearthquake analysis, maximum deformation occurred in the K10 arch, which is one of the arches with the largestarch span of the bridge. In addition, inearthquakes affected in the X and Z direction, it was observed that the archesand piers in the middle of the bridge, that is, these relatively higher structural elements were subjected to morestress. It has been determined that the A11 pier of the bridge is the structural element exposed to the most pressure.