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Arch Design Questions

The document provides a detailed overview of arches, including their definition, structural behavior, and types based on supports. It includes calculations for horizontal thrust and stress in masonry arches, as well as concepts like the middle third rule and failure modes. Additionally, it discusses the efficiency of arches in bridge design and methods for evaluating deflection.

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2 views1 page

Arch Design Questions

The document provides a detailed overview of arches, including their definition, structural behavior, and types based on supports. It includes calculations for horizontal thrust and stress in masonry arches, as well as concepts like the middle third rule and failure modes. Additionally, it discusses the efficiency of arches in bridge design and methods for evaluating deflection.

Uploaded by

nosibahassan151
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Master Level Exam: Design of Arches (With

Solutions)
Question 1: Define an arch and explain the structural behavior of arches.
Solution: An arch is a curved structural member that transfers loads primarily through
compression. Loads are carried along the curve to the supports, generating horizontal thrust.

Question 2: A three-hinged arch of span 20 m and rise 5 m carries a UDL of 10 kN/m. Calculate
horizontal thrust.
Solution: Using H = (wL^2)/(8h) = (10×20^2)/(8×5) = (10×400)/(40) = 100 kN.

Question 3: Explain the middle third rule in arch design.


Solution: The line of thrust must lie within the middle third of the section to avoid tensile stresses. If
it goes outside, cracking may occur.

Question 4: What are the types of arches based on supports?


Solution: Three-hinged, two-hinged, and fixed arches.

Question 5: Explain how deflection in arches is evaluated.


Solution: Deflection is calculated using energy methods such as Castigliano’s theorem or unit load
method.

Question 6: A masonry arch section has area 0.5 m² and carries thrust of 200 kN with moment 20
kNm. Find stress.
Solution: σ = P/A ± M/Z. Assuming Z = 0.1 m³ → σ = 200/0.5 ± 20/0.1 = 400 ± 200 → max = 600
kN/m².

Question 7: Why are arches efficient for bridges?


Solution: They efficiently carry loads in compression, reducing bending moments compared to
beams.

Question 8: What is line of thrust?


Solution: It is the path followed by the resultant compressive force in the arch.

Question 9: State failure modes of arches.


Solution: Crushing, buckling, hinge formation, and tension cracking.

Question 10: Explain buckling in arches.


Solution: Slender arches may fail due to instability under compressive loads, similar to column
buckling.

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