Masonry Arch (heyman).pdf Apr 2026

Jacques Heyman revolutionized historical structural analysis by applying plastic limit analysis—assuming zero tensile strength, infinite compressive strength, and no sliding—to evaluate masonry arches. His "Stone Skeleton" approach determines stability by finding a line of thrust within the masonry, shifting focus from elastic theory to geometric safety factors. For a comprehensive overview, review the analysis on ResearchGate . (PDF) The Stone Skeleton: A Reappraisal - ResearchGate