b t vr

nica ed f e 24 A method for the estimation of the limit load and the failure mode of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced stone arch bridges is hereby presented. Unilateral contact interfaces with friction simulating potential cracks are considered in the finite element model of the of concrete structures. The implementation of those mate- of the reinforced arch. masonry structure [8]. Opening or sliding of the interfaces denotes crack initiation. Other studies which are related with the investigation of the behavior of masonry arches, as well as no-tension materials like masonry, are reported in [9–12]. Unilateral contact law governs the behavior in the nor-mal direction of an interface, indicating that no tensio