Author
L VAN PARYS, D LAMBLIN and S DATOUSSAÏD
Polytechnic Faculty of Mons, Department of Civil Engineering, Rue de Houdain 9 – 7000 Mons – Belgium

Abstract
Stone masonry arches are structural systems that have been used for centuries in important structures. Some of these arches can be affected noticeably by structural damage such as springing displacements and it can be difficult for engineers to assess the remaining stability of the structure.

This paper outlines some preliminary considerations initiating a research programme aiming to apply limit analysis theory to study the behaviour of existing arches affected by springing displacements. A triple approach (analytical, numerical and experimental) is described and a discussion of some fundamental characteristics of the limit analysis theory is proposed. Finally, the paper presents some preliminary results obtained when a displacement is imposed on one of the arch springings.