MODULE 7:

LESSON 7: ARCHES

Arches
Use to reduce the bending momnents in long span structures.

Acts as an inverted cable, so it receives its load mainly in compression.

Has a parabolic shape and it is subjected to a uniform
horizontally distributed vertical load.

Types of Arches
1. Fixed Arch
Is often made of reinforced concrete.
It must have a solid foundationabutment.

2. Two Hinged Arch

Commonly made from metal or timber.
It is indeterminateto the first degree.
Insensitive to settlement.

3. Three Hinged Arch

Commonly made from metal or timber.
It is statically determinate.

It is not affected by settlementor temperature changes.

Can also take the form of two pin-connected trusses.

4. Tied Arch
Allow structure to behave as a rigid unit.
Carries the horizontal component of truss at the supports.
It is unaffected by relative settlement of the supports.

References:
Hibbeler, R. C. (2017). Structural analysis9th ed. Boston, Pearson
Leet, Kenneth M. (2011). Fundamentals of structural analysis,

McGraw-Hill, Boston
Kassimali,Aslam (2010).Structural analysis, Cengage Learning,
Stamford, CT USA
JRungamornrat (2011). Fundamental of Structural Analysis,
Rungamornrat, Bangkok Thailand
 MODULE 7:

Example #1 w=1.5 kips/t

30 kips
C
Compute the reactions at
supports A and E of the
three-hinged parabolic arch h= 15
11.25 11.25
in the Figure. Next compute
the shear, axial load, and
moment at point D, located
at the quarter point. -104-10-1010

........

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 MODULE 7:

Example #2

50 kN
35 kN
Compute the support
reactions in this circular B
arch. Next compute the
D 0m
shear, axial load, and
20m
moment at point B and D.. 15 m
E

Sm 15 m 20 m

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 MODULE 7:

Example #3 5k

The tied three-hinged arch is subjected

to the loading shown. Determine the 15

ft
components of reaction
Aand C, and the tension in the rod
Alo

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 MODULE 7:

Example #4
o20k 20 k
40k 40 k
D10ft E

Determine the design heights

of the bottom cord of the truss
so the three-hingedtrussed arch 100 6

responds as a funicular arch.

30n 30 ft 30 30f 30 30f 30 fn 30

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