2 Arches

2.1 Introduction
Arches are used to reduce the bending moments in long-span structures. Arches receives loads in
compression and are used in long span buildings such as bridges and church buildings. An arch is
capable of developing both vertical and horizontal reaction components. The shape of arches is in
such a way that the horizontal reaction components are compressive and non-zero. Arches require
very strong foundation; large forces are generated at the supports.
Some common types of arches are the fixed arch and the two-pinned arch. Both the fixed and twopinned arches are statically indeterminate.

fixed arch

Two-pinned arch

A two-pinned arch, is commonly made from metal or timber. It is indeterminate to the first degree,
and although it is not as rigid as a fixed arch, it is somewhat insensitive to settlement. We could
make this structure statically determinate by replacing one of the hinges with a roller. Doing so,
however, would remove the capacity of the structure to resist bending along its span, and as a result
it would serve as a curved beam, and not as an arch. Hence in order to have a statically determinate
arch, and additional pin (hinge) is added to the two-pinned arch to form a three-pinned arch.

three-pinned arch

2.2 Analysis of a three-pinned arch

Equations of a parabolic geometry
2.2.1

Equations of a parabolic geometry with origin at crown

At crown where x = 0 and y = 0, C = 0

2
When x = 0 and

When

then the equation becomes

2.2.2

Equations of a parabolic geometry with origin at Spring

At origin where x = 0 and y = 0, C = 0

when x = L and y = 0
when

solving 1 and 2 simultaneously

4

Example 1: Solve for the support reactions and determine the shear force and bending moment at
D

Solution

V
M

0; V

0; 40 V
V

20

20 25

12.5 kN
7.5 kN

0; H

To find the horizontal forces, use one side of the arch to analyse

0; 20 V

10 H

15 kN
15 kN
Determine the shear force and bending moment at D
if y = 4 m then x = 2.93 m using the equation
The bending moment at D will be
M

2.93 V

5 H

2.93 12.5

5 15

The shear force at D will be

tan

V cos

H sin

V sin

H cos

38.375 kNm