Abstract
The physical finite element representation of circular arches as an assemblage of straight beam elements has been frequently employed in practice without sufficient mathematical investigations. Since this type of approximation cannot be directly related to the usual consistent approximation based on arch theory, some special techniques are required for mathematical analysis. For this purpose a partial approximation is introduced to be compared with the above physical model. The error estimation shows that the physical model has the same convergence rate in strain energy as the mathematical model based on the partial approximation. This result is also confirmed with numerical experiments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
