“The Approximate Estimation of Safe Loads on Masonry Bridges.”^*

To ESTIMATE accurately the carrying capacity of an existing masonry or

brickwork arch a careful survey of the structure and subsequent analysis

is necessary. This procedure is, however, impossible under active service

conditions, and the engineer officer must be provided with the means of

making a reasonably correct estimate quickly. The problem in respect of

small spans was put to the Structural Engineering Committee of the

Scientific Advisory Council of the Ministry of Supply and the investigation

described in this Paper was made with the object of providing the necessary

information in the simplest form possible.

Many variables are involved. The shape and thickness of the arch