Abstract
This study presents an experimental study and a finite element analysis of the in-plane structural properties of steel arches with rectangular web openings under static loading. The failure mode, deflection, section stress distribution, and other mechanical properties of three steel arch specimens with equidistant rectangular web openings are investigated. It is found that the ultimate load capacity, ductility, and stiffness of the steel arch decrease owing to large-scale openings compared with small-scale openings. The ultimate loading capacity and stiffness of the web-opening steel arches can be improved by welding stiffeners on the edge of the opening. In addition, 52 finite element models are established for parametric analysis to investigate the influence of the steel arch and stiffener geometries on the structural performance. The results show that increasing the rise-span ratio and web and flange thickness increase the ultimate loading capacity of the steel arch. A larger opening will cause the ultimate loading capacity and ductility to decrease significantly. The ultimate loading capacity of the steel arch is affected by horizontal stiffeners, whereas ductility is affected by both horizontal and vertical stiffeners. Finally, this study provides design recommendations to serve as engineering design references.
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