Quasi-static tests on 1:3 scaled arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar

Quasi-static tests on scaled-down arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar reveal critical insights into the load-bearing behavior and durability of historic masonry structures. The study, conducted using 1:3 scale models, demonstrates how connection elements such as wrought iron clamps, dowels, liquid lead, and mortar contribute to structural stability and resistance against external forces. These findings are particularly relevant for understanding the resilience of the original bridge, constructed in 1566 and reconstructed in 2004, providing valuable data for validating and refining existing mathematical models. The research highlights the ingenuity of historical construction techniques and their enduring effectiveness, offering a foundation for future numerical analyses.

Kustura, M., Šunjić, G., & Ćubela, D. (2020). Quasi-static tests on 1:3 scaled arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar. International Journal of Earthquake and Impact Engineering, 3(2), 81. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijeie.2020.108572