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Reliable estimation of seismic stability of structures built in seismically active regions is an objective that requires a complex investigation and different types of activities. For historical structures and monuments, this requirement is even more essential, because many of them represent unique heritage structures. In-situ testing of a monument for defining dynamic characteristics and seismic testing of scaled models represent the recommended activities to be considered as mandatory. Shake table testing of a scaled monument model provides valuable information about its seismic stability – weak parts and development of failure mechanism – as well as the crucial points of the structure that should be considered when designing the health monitoring system. This paper presents the results obtained by the shake table testing of scaled models of two historical masonry structures: the Old Bridge in Mostar and the ancient Protiron structure in Split. The monitored seismic response presented herein by the measured accelerations, relative and absolute displacements, and strains, as well as the damage identification during the shake table tests, provided essential information about their seismic stability, failure mechanism, and weak points. The obtained results have been used for verification of the analytical models for these two monuments, while the prospective of the conclusions derived from the tests has a possible implementation in planning their health monitoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridges as structures, but also as a symbol, draw the best out of a human, because by connecting two sides, they certainly always connect rather than separate, unite without dividing. The tasks of builders of primal bridges were limited to pedestrian crossings. Those were the first natural or constructed crossings made of fallen trees that were used for the needs of the then users. Today, pedestrian bridges are gaining importance by being constructed not only for communication but also as a modern way of healthy living. Construction of any structure, including a pedestrian bridge, requires its control. All bridges, regardless of their length, width and purpose, have in common that they must be tested. The Regulation on load testing of bridges (JUS U.M1.046) is one of the parts of legislation that must be adhered to. This Regulation defines the test procedures and evaluation of the results of tests on structures. In addition to a brief insight into modern pedestrian bridges, this paper presents practical examples of load testing of pedestrian bridges conducted by the staff of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Mostar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their characteristic appearance and complexity of materials used for their construction, masonry arch bridges are still the subject of experimental and numerical analyses. One of the characteristic examples of this type of structures is the Old Bridge in Mostar that, along with the bridge location, has been under UNESCO protection since 2005. It is exactly this symbol of the town residing on the Neretva River that has been selected as the basis for analysis of behavior of masonry arch bridges and their structural elements. This paper will present the results of the quasi-static tests on connection elements carried out on models of arch segments of the Old Bridge at the scale of 1: 3 as well as the results of the shaking table tests of the behavior of the physical model of the Old Bridge scaled to 1:9 under different levels of seismic excitation. The models were built by application of real connection elements between stone elements - cramps, dowels and liquid lead. Definition of bearing capacity and mode of deterioration of the connection elements of the tested segments as well as definition of the failure mechanisms of the bridge model are the main tasks of the performed experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their characteristic appearance and complexity of materials used for their construction, masonry arch bridges are still the subject of experimental and numerical analyses. One of the characteristic examples of this type of structures is the Old Bridge in Mostar that, along with the bridge location, has been under UNESCO protection since 2005. It is exactly this symbol of the town residing on the Neretva River that has been selected as the basis for analysis of behavior of masonry arch bridges and their structural elements. This paper will present the results ofthe quasi-static tests on connection elements carried out on models of arch segments of the Old Bridge atthe scale of 1: 3 as well as the results ofthe shaking table tests of the behavior of the physical model of the Old Bridge scaled to 1:9 under different levels of seismic excitation. The models were built by application of real connection elements between stone elements - cramps, dowels and liquid lead. Definition of bearing capacity and mode of deterioration of the connection elements of the tested segments as well as definition of the failure mechanisms of the bridge model are the main tasks of the performed experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the investigation taken on Old Bridge in Mostar. In order to get cognitions about the seismic stability of the bridge, experimental testing was done by the ambient vibration method to define dynamic characteristics - own frequencies, mode shapes and damping coefficients. Numerical analysis of the bridge was done in Tower 3D program package at which different cases of overloads were taken in consideration. Comparing results and dynamical characteristics of the bridge obtained by experimental investigation with performed analysis of the mathematical model of the bridge we can see the compatibility. The obtained results present a qualitative base for performing further investigation of this respective monument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]