Can I model slender piers using LimitState:RING?
Yes, LimitState:RING can model piers of any height/width. Some codes of practice distinguish between ‘stocky’ and ‘slender’ piers in multispan masonry arch bridges, with bridges containing piers that are deemed ‘slender’ requiring a full multispan analysis. However, the distinction is somewhat artificial as in some cases the critical failure mode in a bridges comprising ‘stocky’ piers will actually involve more than one span (indicating that a single span analysis will be non-conservative). The key thing is that LimitState:RING will identify the critical failure mode, whether this involves one, two or even more spans.
