Abstract
Even if arches represent an old structural system adopted in construction practice since two thousand years ago, they are still adopted just if large spans have to be covered. The structural efficiency of arches principally depends on optimal material exploitation, due to the minimization of the thrust curve eccentricity, which reduces structural material volume and weight. Although the millenarian use and a very abundant literature dealing with arches, there is still scope for design optimization, so this study is framed within this context, investigating plane circular arches under uniformly distributed vertical load and self-weight. The arches are simply supported with bending springs at end sections. In a first step an analytical solution of the arch static is derived in dimensionless form. Next, the volume of the arch is minimized. Finally the results are charted to allow their use in a design process.
Highlights
Arches are inherently efficient structures; they are capable to transfer loads from the superstructure to the foundations (Wilson, 2005) with low structural weight
Structural efficiency depends on the predominance of axial internal forces with low eccentricity (Allen and Zalewski, 2009; Marano et al, 2014; Wang and Wang, 2015): in this circumstance, smaller cross-sections can be used with respect to beams
The procedure is referred to the particular case of circular arches with uniform cross-section, it allows us to highlight the main mechanical parameters governing the solution, in particular the dimensionless span and the rise/span ratio
Summary
Arches are inherently efficient structures; they are capable to transfer loads from the superstructure to the foundations (Wilson, 2005) with low structural weight. This paper is focused on the optimal design of an elastic plane circular arch having fixed span L, uniform cross-section, and subjected to a uniform vertical load and to its self-weight.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
