THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH

Submitted by: FAIZAN ALI

06-CE-10
CONTENTS
 HISTORY.
 ARCH.
 USE.
 TECHNICAL ASPECTS.
 HINGE INTRODUCTION.
 CLASSIFICATION.
 INTRODUCTION OF THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH.
 DERIVATIONS AND EXAMPLES.
 CURRENT USE.
1. HISTORY (contd.)
Arches were used by the Persian,
Harappan, Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek and
Assyrian civilizations for underground
structures such as drains and vaults, but
the ancient Romans were the first to use
them widely above ground although it is
thought that Romans learned it from the
Etruscans. The arch has been used in some
bridges in China since the Sui dynasty and
in tombs since the Han Dynasty.
 1. HISTORY (contd.)
ARCH
A structure, usually curved, that when
subjected to vertical loads causes its two
end supports to develop reactions with
inwardly directed horizontal
components.
Parts:
The designations of the various parts of
an arch are given in the illustration.
1. HISTORY (contd.)
Use:
 The commonest uses for an arch are as a bridge, supporting a
roadway, railroad track, or footpath, and as part of a building,
where it provides a large open space unobstructed by columns.
Arches are usually built of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber.
Technical Aspects:
 The arch is significant because, in theory at least, it provides a
structure which eliminates tensile stresses in spanning an open
space. All the forces are resolved into compressive stresses .
 This is useful because several of the available building
materials such as stone, cast iron and concrete can strongly
resist compression but are very weak when tension, shear or
torsional stress is applied to them. By using the arch
configuration, significant spans can be achieved.
1. HISTORY (contd.)
Hinge Introduction:
 Two unknowns. The reaction are two components of
Force, or the magnitude and direction Ф of the resultant
force .
 At the hinge joint moment is zero means it can’t resist the
bending moment produce by external force.
Classification
a. Hinge less Arch:
 The hinge-less arch uses
no hinges and allows no
rotation at the
foundations.
b. Two Hinged Arch:
 The two hinged arch uses
hinged bearings which
allow rotation. The only
forces generated at the
bearings are horizontal
and vertical forces.
Classification (contd.)
c. Tree Hinged Arch:
 The three-hinged arch adds an
additional hinge at the top or
crown of the arch. The three-
hinged arch suffers very little
if there is movement in either
foundation (due to
earthquakes, sinking, etc.)
d. Tied Arch:
 The tied arch is a variation on
the arch which allows
construction even if the
ground is not solid enough to
deal with the horizontal forces.
2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH
 A three hinged system consist
of two plates, connected
together by means of a hinge
with two hinged supports A and
B resting on the ground.
 When the plates 1 and 2 consist
of curved bars, the system is
called a three-hinged arch.
 The distance l between the
centers of the hinges at the
support is called the span of
arch.
 While distance f from the center
of the crown hinge to the
straight line passing through
the former two is called its rise.
2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH (contd.)
A three hinged system may or may not
have a vertical axis of symmetry. In the
first case the central hinge c will lie on the
axis of symmetry and the hinges at the
support A and B are at same level.
Non symmetrical systems may have their
supports at different level.
2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH (contd.)
Determinacy:
The reactions of a three hinged arch will be fully
determined by four parameters, for instance,
the amounts of reaction Ha, Hb, Va, and Vb.
Thus a three hinged system is always statically
determinate
2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH (contd.)
Advantages:
 One of the advantages of three hinged arch is that
the bending moments and shears acting over cross
sections of three hinged arches are considerably
smaller than the corresponding stresses in a simple
beam covering the same span and carrying the same
load. Therefore three hinged arches are more
economical than ordinary beams, particularly for
large span structures.
 Calculations are easier than other type of arches.
 No bending moments are caused at the abutments
and the crown because hinges cannot resist
moments.
2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR
ARCH (contd.)
Differential settlements of the supports do not
appreciably affect stresses, since the pines or
hinges enable the arch to take up the slightly
different shape consequent upon settlement.
The pin joints enable the arch to adjust itself to
expansions and contractions due to changes in
temperature. 
A disadvantage is that bending moments away
from the pins are larger than in the 2-pin and
completely rigid arches.

 
3. DERIVATIONS AND
EXAMPLES.
Supports Reactions of a three-hinged
Arch:

1.Analytical Method.
2.Graphical Method.
 3. DERIVATIONS AND
EXAMPLES. (contd.)
Analytical Method:
 When a system of vertical load is applied to a three hinged, a
vertical and horizontal reactions will arise at each of two
supports making four reactions to be determined at all. In
addition of three equations of equilibrium, a fourth equation
can be used in the case of a three hinged arch; this equation
demonstrates that the bending moment at the hinge C equals
zero both right or to the left of this hinge.
Left ξ Mc = 0 or right ξ Mc = 0.
Analytical Method.
General Steps:
 In the case of an ordinary arch as shown above, we may
first write the equilibrium equation for the moments of all
forces about hinge B which will contain only one vertical
reaction Va.
 Then we will use the equation left ξ Mc = 0. this equation
may contain the reactions Va which has been just
determined and the unknown reaction Ha.
 Then we may proceed with the solution of an equation
demonstrating that the moment of all the external forces
about hinge A is zero which will give us the value of
reaction Vb.
 Then we obtain the magnitude of Hb by equating to zero
the projection of all the external forces on the horizontal.
 The computation just described may be checked using the
equations
 ξ Y = 0 and ξ Mc = 0.
Analytical Method. (contd.)
 DERIVTION of
REACTIONS.

The last formula shows that the;

Thrust arising at both supports of
three hinged symmetrical arches
subjected to vertical loads are
equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction.
Analytical Method (contd.)
Calculation of
Reactions when a
UDL is applied.

Va = Vb = ½ q*l

Ha = Hb =q*l/4
Graphical Method
Steps:
 The graphical determination of the reactions requires
that the resultants R1 and R2 of all the forces applied to
the left and to the right of the central hinge should be
found in the first place. The reactions induced by each of
these resultants R1 and R2 will then are determined,
their summation giving the final value of the reactions
required.
 Consider the following arch:
Graphical Method (contd.)
 We may start with determining the reactions at
the support caused by the application of the
force R1. In this case the reaction at the right
hand support B1 must pass through the hinge at
this support and the hinge C at the crown as
otherwise the right hand portion if the arch
which is subjected solely to the reaction at B1
and the interaction of hinge C could not remain
in equilibrium.
 with reaction A1 arising at the left hand support,
the arch as a whole will be in equilibrium under
the action of three forces A1, B1, R1.
Graphical Method (contd.)
Theoretical Mechanics states that three
coplanar forces acting on a body in
equilibrium must concur at one and the
same point.
The use of this theorem enables us to find
the direction of reaction A1 after which the
force polygon will give us the magnitude of
both the support reactions A1 and B1.
The support Reactions A2 and B2 due to the
application of right hand resultant R2 will be
found in exactly the same way.
Graphical Method (contd.)
Some Examples:
3. DERIVATIONS AND EXAMPLES
Determination of stresses in Three
Hinged Circular Arches:

Analytical method is used here to calculate

the internal forces (i.e; Axial force, shear
force and bending moment) at a cross-
section of a arch.
Analytical method
 Case 1:
When a semicircular
three hinged arch is
subjected to two loads
on one side of the
crown hinge.
1. First of all calculate the
reactions by the method
described above.
2. NORMAL FORCE: the
normal force at x is
obtained by resolving
the forces to one side of
the x in a direction
tangential to arch at x .
Nx = -Va cosβ – Ha sinβ
+ P1 cosβ
Analytical method (contd.)
3. SHEAR FORCE: The shear at x can be found by
resolving the forces to one side of the x in a
direction perpendicular to the tangent at x. We
shall take the positive shear force as acting radially
inwards when it is to the left of the section.
Sx = - Va sinβ + Ha cosβ + P1 sinβ
4. BENDING MOMENT: Now taking moments about x
for forces to the left of x and regarding a positive
moment as causing tension on the outer side of the
arch, we have;
Mx = Va( r – rcosβ ) – Ha*r*sinβ – P1( rcosą – rcosβ)
Analytical method (contd.)
 Case 2:
To calculate the internal
forces when the portion
of a three hinged circular
arch is subjected to a
load.
1. First of all calculate all
the reactions by the
method described above.
2. Since the structure is
symmetrical, we need to
only analyze one half.
3. Consider the section of
AC shown in the figure.
Note that due to circular
form, it is easiest to work
in terms of the angle ą
measured from the
center, rather the
distance along the arch.
Analytical method (contd.)
4. Resolve vertically:
S siną + T cosą + Va = 0
5. Resolve horizontally:
T siną + S cosą + Ha = 0
6. Solving simultaneously:
S = - Va siną + Ha cosą,
T = - Va cosą + Ha siną
7. Now the moment at the
section x is given by:
M + Ha(r siną – r/2) –
Va(l – rcosą ) = 0
 This solution is only valid
for the whole of AC.
Real Life Examples
1.To calculate the reactions of a three Hinged
Circular Arch.
1. The Ayub arch, Pakistan.
 Built in: 1962
 Location: Sukkur-Rohri, Pakistan.
 Type: Two hinged Circular arch
 Example 1
 Calculation of reactions:
 Take moment about A = 0:
ξ Ma = - 60*20 -40*70 + Vb*100 =
0
Vb*100 = 1200 +2800
Vb = 4000/100 = 40N
 Now take moment about B = 0:
ξ Mb = -Va*100 +60*80 + 40*30 =
0
Va*100 = 4800 + 1200
Va = 6000/100 = 60N
 Now take moment about C to its
left equal to zero
ξ LM c = 60*30 -60*50 + Ha*30 = 0
Ha*30 = 3000 – 1800
Ha = 1200/30 = 40N
 Now take the moment about C to
its right equals to zero:
ξ RM c = -40*20 +40*50 –Hb*30 =
0
Hb*30 = 1200
Hb = 40 N
Example 2
 The Iron Bridge,
England:
 Carries: pedestrian traffic
 Crosses: River Severn
 Locale: Iron bridge Gorge
near Coalbrookdale
 Design: cast iron arch
bridge
 Longest span: 30.5 meters
(100 ft)
 Total length: 60 meters
(200 ft)
 Clearance below: 60 feet
(18 m)
 Beginning date of
construction: 1775
 Completion date: 1779
 Opening date: 1781-01-01
 Example 2 (contd.)
 calculation of reactions:
 ξ MB = 0
- Ay*200 + 6000*100 = 0
Ay = 600000/200 = 3000 N
 ξ Fy = 0
Ay +By = 6000
By = 3000 N
 Now in this case the reaction:
Ax = Bx = H
 So by taking sum of all the
moments acting to the left of
hinge C equal to zero, we get:
ξ L Mc = 0
Ay* l/2 – H*60 – 30*100*50 =
0
H*60 = 3000*100 – 150000
H*60 = 300000 – 150000
H = 2500 N
Example 2 (contd.)
 Calculation of Internal Forces
at a section:
where:
P1 = 6000 N, l = 100 ft , r =
120ft , Ф = 118 °
Ha = Hb = H = 2500 N
Va = Vb = 3000N
1. Normal force at x: Nx:
 We will resolve the forces to
the right of X in a direction
tangential to the arch at x.
 Considering tensile forces to
be positive.
Nx = -3000 cos 60 -2500
sin60 +1441.2 cos 60
= -1500 -2165.1 + 720.6
= - 2944.5 N
 Example 2 (contd.)
2. Shear force at x: Sx:
 The shear at x can be found by
resolving the forces to one side of the
x in a direction perpendicular to the
tangent at x. We shall take the
positive shear force as acting radially
inwards when it is to the left of the
section.
Sx = -3000 sin60 + 2500 cos60 +
1441.2 sin60
= -2598.07 + 1250 + 1248.116
= -99.954N
3. Bending moment at x: Mx:
 Now taking moments about x for
forces to the right of x and regarding
a positive moment as causing tension
on the outer side of the arch, we
have;
Mx = 3000(100 – 120 cos 60) – 2500
* 120* sin 60 – 1441.2 (120 cos 39 –
120 cos 60)
= 120000 – 259807.62 – 47937.382
= - 187745.02N
= - 187.745 KN.ft = -57.767 kN.m
 Example 3
3. Salginatobel Bridge.
 Salginatobel Bridge is a reinforced concrete
arch bridge designed by renowned Swiss civil
engineer Robert Maillart.
 It was constructed across an alpine valley in
Schiers, Switzerland between 1929 and 1930.
Technical Profile
 Construction type: Three-hinged arch,
developed as hollow-box girder
 Construction material: Reinforced concrete
 Total length: 132.30 m
 Width of roadway: 3.50 m
 Slope of roadway: 3% or 3.97 m
 Span of arch: 90.04 m
 Arch rise: 12.99 m
 Load bearing capacity: 8 t or 350 kg/m2
 Height above water: over 90 m
 Design Engineer: Robert Maillart, Geneva
 Construction time: 1929/30
Example 3 (contd.)
 Calculation of reactions:
 ξ MB = 0
Va*90 – 308.7*45 = 0
Va = 13891.5/90 = 154.35kN
 ξ MA = 0
-Vb*90 + 308.7*45 = 0
Va = 154.35 kN
Now:
Ha = Hb = H
 ξ L Mc = 0

-Va* 45 + H*13 = 0
H = 6945.75/13 =
534.288kN
 Example 3 (contd.)
 Calculation of internal forces at
section x:
 Resolve vertically all the forces:
S sin60 + T cos60 = -154.350
 Resolve horizontally all the forces
acting at section x:
T sin60 – S cos60 = -534.288
 Now solving simultaneously, we get:
S = - 154.350*sin60 +
534.288*cos60
S = -13.26 + 267.144 = 253.884 kN
T = -154.350*cos60 – 534.288*sin60
T = -77.175 – 462.71 = -539.88 kN
 Now Bending moment at section x
M + 534.288(52 sin60 – 39) –
154.350(45 – 52 cos 60) = 0
M = - 3223.53 + 2932.65 =
-290.88 kN.m
 (this solution is valid for when 49° <
Ф < 90°)
Example 4
4. The Transverse Arch:
Location: Mahdia Mosque. Iraq.
Built in: 8th Century.
Example 4 (contd.)
 Calculation of Reactions:
 ξ MA = 0
- 10(5 – 5 cos45) – 10(5 + 5
cos 45) + Vb*10 = 0
Vb = (14.64 +85.35)/10
Vb = 99.99/10 = 9.9 or 10N
 ξ Fy = 0
Va – 10 – 10 +10 = 0
Va = 10N.
 ξ L Mc = 0
-10*5 + Ha*5 + 10*3.535 =
0
Ha = 14.644/5 = 3N
And Hb = 3N
 Example 4 (contd.)
 Calculation of internal forces:
1. At section x1:
 Normal force = Nx1 = - 10 sin15 + 3
cos15
= -9.66 -0.776
= -10.4N (comp)
 Shear force = Sx1 = -10 sin15 + 3 cos 15
= -2.588 + 2.897
= 0.309N
 Moment = Mx1 = 10(5-5 cos15) –
3*5*sin15
= 1.704-3.882
= - 2.178N.m
2. At section x2:
 Nx2 = - 10 cos30 – 3 sin30
= - 0.866 – 1.5
= - 10.16N (comp)
 Sx2 = -10 sin30 + 3 cos30
= -5 +2.6 = -2.4N
 Mx2 = 10(5 -5 cos30) – 3*5*sin30
= 6.699 – 7.5 = -0.801N.m
Example 4 (contd.)
2.At section x3:
 Nx3 = -10 cos45 – 3 sin45 + 10 cos45
= - 2.12N
 Sx3 = - 10 sin45 + 3 cos45 + 10 sin45
= 2.12N
 Mx3 = 10(5 – 5 cos45) – 3*5*sin45
– 10(5 cos45 – 5 cos45)
= 14.64 – 10.61 = 4N.m.
4. At section x4:
 Nx4 = -10 cos60 – 3 sin60 + 10 cos60
= - 2.598 or -2.6N
 Sx4 = - 10 sin60 + 3 cos60 + 10 sin60
= 1.5N
 Mx4 = 10(5 - 5 cos60) – 3*5*sin60
– 10( 5 cos45 – 5 cos60)
= 25 – 12.94 – 10.355
= 1.704N.m
Example 4 (contd.)
5. At section x5:
 Nx5 = - 10 cos75 – 3 sin75 + 10 cos75
= - 2.89N
 Sx5 = - 10 sin75 + 3 cos75 + 10 sin75
= 0.776N
 Mx5 = 10(5 - 5 cos75) – 3*5*sin75
– 10( 5 cos45 – 5 cos75)
= 37.06 – 14.49 – 22.41
= 0.16N.m
6. At section x6:
 Nx6 = -10 cos90 – 3 sin90 + 10 cos90
= - 3N
 Sx6 = - 10 sin90 + 3 cos90 + 10 sin90
= 0N
 Mx6 = 10(5 - 5 cos90) – 3*5*sin90
– 10( 5 cos45 – 5 cos90)
= 50 – 15 – 10(3.5)
= 0N.m
Example 4 (contd.)
 Note: Since the arch is symmetrical so we will
analyse only one half of the arch.

Sectio Ф , ° X ,m Y ,m N(NF) S(SF) M

n ,N ,N ,N.m
X1 15 4.82 1.3 -10.4 0.31 -2.18
X2 30 4.33 2.5 -10.16 -2.4 -0.8
X3 45 3.54 3.54 -2.12 2.12 4.03
X4 60 2.5 4.33 -2.6 1.5 1.704
X5 75 1.3 4.82 -2.89 0.776 0.16
X6 90 0 5 -3 0 0
Example 4 (contd.)
Current Use
 Now the three hinged arch bridges are rarely used. In the
past we find very few examples of this type of bridges, of
which I found out the following:
1. The Iron Bridge, England:
 Design: cast iron arch bridge
 Completion date: 1779
2. Salginatobel Bridge.
 Construction type: Three-hinged arch, developed as
hollow-box girder
 Construction time: 1929/30
Reasons:
Following are the reasons due to which this type of
bridges is not used nowadays:
1. The three-hinged arch experiences much more deflection
and the hinges are complex and can be difficult to
fabricate. The three-hinged arch is rarely used anymore.
2. Bending moments away from the pins are larger than in
the 2-pin and completely rigid arches.
REFERENCES:
 Book: STRUCTURAL MECHANICS
Edited by: PROFESSOR A. DARKOV D. SC.
(ENG.)
 Book: THE ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES
By W. MORGANS
 Book: STRUCTURES (Theory and Analysis)
By: M S Williams and T J Todd.
 Book: STRUCTURES AND STRESS ANALYSIS
By: T H G Megson.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch
 http://www.ecf.toronto.edu/apsc/courses/civ214/L
ectures/Arches_and_cables.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salginatobel_Bridge
 http://www.interactiveds.com.au/Conc99-
ArchStructures-textonly.doc.