(Pulau Pinang)

CES 424
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 5
Analysis of Arches

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 1 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 LEARNING OUTCOMES
(Pulau Pinang)

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

1) Determine rise, “y” at each point of Arch.

2) Determine the support reactions of statically determinate

three-hinged arch.

3) Find out internal forces such as radial shear force, bending

moment and normal thrust values in statically determinate
three-hinged arch.

4) Draw the bending moment diagram shear force diagram and

normal thrust diagram of a statically determinate three-
hinged arch.

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 2 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Introduction
(Pulau Pinang)

 Three-Pinned Arch is used for large span of structures.

 Its have an ability to carry transverse loading efficiently
 Bending moment can be greatly reduced due to curvature of
arches
 Almost similar to three-pinned portal frame
 Restrain on both ends to reduces horizontal thrust

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 3 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Arch and Beam Differences
(Pulau Pinang)

Moment equation for beam and arch

W kN/m W kN/m
ΣMX ↵ + = 0
A 2
B
MX VA(x) - W(x )/2 - MX =0
VA 2
Mx = VA(x) – W(x )/2 #
C L X

W kN/m
W kN/m

C MX
ΣMX ↵ + = 0
2
h VA(x) - W(x )/2 - MX –HA(y) =0
Y 2
Mx = VA(x) - HA(y) – W(x )/2 #
HA
A B
L VA
X

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 4 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Equation of Parabolic Arch
(Pulau Pinang)

Parabolic equation can be derive as follows

C (L/2, h)
P θ
P

h
y
y

B HA
A x
L
VA
L/2 x

Using parabolic equation y = kx (L-x) at C

θ = tan −1 Slope
 L  L   kL kL   kL
2 2 2


h = k   L −  =  −  =  
 2  2  2 4   4  Where
dy 4h
4h 4hx Slope = = 2 (L − 2x )
∴k = 2 ∴ y = 2 (L − x ) dx L
L L
CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 5 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches
 Internal Forces in Arch
(Pulau Pinang)

Thrust, N and Shear Force, Q in Arch Rib

Q
N N
+
M Q M Q

20 kN N
C (L/2, h)
P θ
P

h M
y
y

B HA
A x
L VA
x
L/2

*** Calculation for N and Q must be with and without point load ***

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 6 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

A three-hinged parabolic arch is as shown in figure below. It carries a uniformly

distributed load of 20 kN/m between points A and B. Calculate value of N, Q and M
for every 10 m.

20 kN/m

10 m

A B
20 m 20 m

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 7 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1. Step 2.
Draw Free Body Diagram of the arch. Calculate Split the arch at hinge (points C). Consider either
the external reactions. LHS or RHS
20 kN/m
20 kN/m

C
C

10 m 10 m

HA
HA HB A
A B
VA
VA VB
20 m
20 m 20 m

ΣFX→+ = 0 ΣMC + = 0
ΣMA ↵ + = 0 ΣFY↑+ = 0
HB - H A = 0
20(40)(20) – VB(40)=0 VA + VB = 20 (40) VA(20) – HA(10)– 20(20)(10) = 0
HA = HB #
VB = 400 kN # VA = 400 kN # HA = 400 kN #
∴ HB = HA = 400 kN #

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 8 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 3. Step 4.
Calculate the value of N, Q and M at 10 m from Using equilibrium equations compute the value of
left. 20 kN/m
N, Q and M

Q
N ΣMD ↵+ = 0

θ VA(10) – HA(7.5)– 20(10)(5) = M

M=0#
M
y
ΣFN +=0
HA N + 200Sinθ - 400Cosθ - 400Sinθ = 0
4h
Slope = 2 (L − 2 x ) N = 447.21 kN
L #
VA
10 m
Slope =
4(10)
[40 − 2(10)] ΣFQ +=0
40 2
4hx Q + 200Cosθ + 400Sinθ - 400Cosθ = 0
y= (L − x )
L2 Slope = 0.5
Q=0#
4(10)(10)
y= (40 − 10) = 7.5m ∴ θ = tan −1 0.5 = 26.57 0
(40) 2

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 9 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 5. Step 6.
Calculate the value of N, Q and M at 10 m from Using equilibrium equations compute the value of
right. N, Q and M
20 kN/m

ΣMD ↵+ = 0
Q
N VB(10) – HB(7.5)– 20(10)(5) = M
θ
M=0#

M ΣFN +=0
7.5 m
N + 200Sinθ - 400Cosθ - 400Sinθ = 0
4h
HB Slope = 2
(L − 2x ) N = 447.21 kN #
L
VB ΣFQ +=0
10 m Slope =
4(10)
[40 − 2(10)]
40 2 Q – 200Cosθ - 400Sinθ + 400Cosθ = 0
4hx
y = 2 (L − x ) Q = 0 kN
L Slope = 0.5 #

4(10)(10)
y= (40 − 10) = 7.5m ∴ θ = tan −1 0.5 = 26.57 0
(40) 2

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 10 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

A three-hinged parabolic arch is as shown in figure below. It carries a uniformly

distributed load of 20 kN/m and point load of 10 kN as shown. Calculate value of N,
Q and M at D and E. Take horizontal distance of D is 10m from support A and E is
10m from support B.
20 kN/m

C 10 kN
D

E
9m
A
15 m 15 m 5m

B
20 m 30 m

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 11 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1.
Draw Free Body Diagram of the arch. Calculate the external reactions.

20 kN/m
ΣMB ↵+ = 0
15 m 15 m
10 m -20(30)(30) - 10(10) + VA(50) + HA(5)=0
C
D
10 kN 50VA + 5HA = 18100 kN (÷5)
HA A 10VA + HA = 3620 kN ----------- (1) #
E
9m
VA
yA
10 m ΣFY↑+ = 0
HB
B VA + VB – 20(30) – 10 = 0
VB VA + VB = 610 kN ----------- (2)#
xA 20 m 30 m

ΣFX→+ = 0
4hx
y A = 2 (L − x) HD - HA = 0
L
HA = HB ----------- (3)#
yA =
4(9)(10)
[60 − 10] = 5m
60 2

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 12 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 2.
Split the arch at hinge (points C). Consider either LHS or RHS

20 kN/m

15 m Using simultaneous equations,

C Equation (1) + (4)
D
4m 15VA = 4182.5
HA A
VA = 278.833 kN #
VA
10 m
∴ HA = 831.667 kN #

20 m
From equation (2)
ΣMC ↵+ = 0 VB = 331.167 kN #
-20(15)(7.5) + VA(20) - HA(4)=0
20VA - 4HA = 2250 kN (÷4) From equation (3)

5VA - HA = 562.50 kN ----------- (4) # HB = HA = 831.667 kN #

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 13 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 3.
Calculate the value of N, Q and M at D, 10 m from support A.

Q
100 kN ΣMD ↵ + = 0
N
VA(10) – HA(3)– 20(5)(2.5) = M
θ
M = 43.329 kNm #
M
3m
ΣFN +=0
831.667 N + 100Sinθ - 831.667Cosθ - 278.833Sinθ = 0

278.833
N = 850.589 kN #
10 m

4hx 4h
yD = (L − x) Slope = (L − 2x)
L2
L2 ΣFQ +=0
yD =
4(9)(20)
[60 − 20] Slope =
4(9)
[60 − 2(20)] Q + 100Cosθ + 831.667Sinθ - 278.833Cosθ = 0
60 2 60 2
Q = 12.256 kN
y D = 8m Slope = 0.2
#

∴ θ = tan −10.2 = 11.310

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 14 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 3.
Calculate the value of N, Q and M at E, 10 m from support B.
10 kN
Q
ΣME ↵ + = 0
N VB(10) – HB(5) = M
θ M = -846.665 kNm #

M ΣFN +=0
5m
N + 10Sinθ - 831.667Cosθ - 331.167Sinθ = 0
831.667
N = 891.462 kN #(With Point Load)
331.167 N = 899.176 kN #(Without Point Load)
10 m
4hx 4h
yE = (L − x) Slope = (L − 2x)
L2 L2 ΣFQ +=0
yE =
4(9)(10)
[60 − 10] Slope =
4(9)
[60 − 2(10)] Q - 10Cosθ - 831.667Sinθ + 331.167Cosθ = 0
60 2 2
60
y E = 5m Q = 10.655 kN # (With Point Load)
Slope = 0.4
Q = 1.371 kN # (Without Point Load)
∴ θ = tan −10.4 = 21.8 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 15 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Draw bending moment diagram, shear force diagram and thrust diagram for the
parabolic arch shown below.

100 kN
F C G
D

E H
y 16 m

A B
25 m
50 m 50 m

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 16 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1. Step 2.
Draw Free Body Diagram of the arch. Calculate Split the arch at hinge (points C). Consider either
the external reactions. LHS or RHS
100 kN
25m 100 kN
C
C
E
D
16 m
16 m
HA HB
A B HA
VA VB A
VA
50 m 50 m 50 m

ΣMC ↵+ = 0
ΣMA ↵ + = 0 ΣFY↑+ = 0 ΣFX→+ = 0
75(50) – HA(16) – 100(25) = 0
100(25) – VB(100)=0 VA + VB = 100 HB - H A = 0
HA = 78.125 kN #
VB = 25 kN # VA = 75 kN # HA = HB #
∴ HB = HA = 78.125 kN #

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 17 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 3.
Calculate value of M, N and Q at point D with and without point load.
4hx
yD = 2
(L − x) ΣFN + = 0 (without load)
L
Q 100 kN N - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0
4(16)(25)
N yD = [100 − 25] N = 97.267 kN #
100 2
θ y D = 12m
ΣFN + = 0 (with load)
4h
Slope = 2 (L − 2x) N + 100Sinθ - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0
M L
y
N = 66.788 kN #
4(16)
Slope =
2
[100 − 2(25)]
78.125 kN 100
Slope = 0.32 ΣFQ + = 0 (without load)
75 kN
25 m Q + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0
−1
θ = tan 0.32
Q = 47.621 kN #
∴ θ = 17.7450

ΣFQ + = 0 (with load)

ΣMD ↵+ = 0
Q + 100Cosθ + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0
75(25) – 78.125(12) = MD
Q = - 47.622 kN #
MD = 937.5 kNm #

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 18 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 4.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 0 (at point A)

4hx ΣFN +=0

yD = (L − x)
Q
L2 N - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0

N N = 106.233 kN #
78.125 kN
yD =
4(16)(0)
[100 − 0] = 0
θ 100 2
ΣFQ +=0
4h
75 kN y Slope = 2 (L − 2x) Q + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0
L
Q = 21.055 kN #

Slope =
4(16)
2
[100 − 2(0)] = 0.64
100

∴ θ = tan −1 0.64 = 32.62 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 19 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 5.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 20m (at point E)

N
4hx ΣME ↵ + = 0
θ yE = 2
(L − x)
L 75(20) – 78.125(10.24) = MD
4(16)(20)
M yE = [100 − 20] MD = 700 kNm #
y 100 2
y E = 10.24m
78.125 kN ΣFN +=0
4h N - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0
75 kN Slope = (L − 2x)
20 m L2 N = 99.819 kN #
4(16)
Slope =
2
[100 − 2(20)] ΣFQ +=0
100
Slope = 0.384 Q + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0
Q = 42.009 kN #
∴ θ = tan 0.384 = 21.007
−1 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 20 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 6.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 40m (at point F)

Q 4hx
yF = (L − x) ΣMF ↵ + = 0
100 kN N L2
75(40) – 78.125(15.36) – 100(15) = MD
θ 4(16)(40)
yF = [100 − 40] MD = 300 kNm #
100 2
M y F = 15.36m
y
4h ΣFN +=0
78.125 kN Slope = (L − 2x)
L2
N + 100Sinθ - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0
4(16)
75 kN
40 m Slope =
2
[100 − 2(40)] N = 74.319 kN #
100
Slope = 0.128
ΣFQ +=0

∴ θ = tan −1 0.128 = 7.294 0 Q + 100Cosθ + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0

Q = - 34.717 kN #

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 21 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 7.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 50m (at point C)

Q
4hx ΣMC ↵+ = 0
100 kN N
yC = 2
(L − x)
L 75(50) – 78.125(16) – 100(25) = MC
θ
4(16)(50)
yC = [100 − 50] MC = 0 kNm #
100 2
M
y y C = 16m ΣFN +=0
N + 100Sinθ - 78.125Cosθ - 75Sinθ = 0
78.125 kN 4h
Slope = (L − 2x) N = 78.125 kN #
L2
75 kN
4(16)
50 m
Slope =
2
[100 − 2(50)] ΣFQ +=0
100
Q + 100Cosθ + 78.125Sinθ - 75Cosθ = 0
Slope = 0
Q = - 25 kN #

∴ θ = tan −1 0 = 0 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 22 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 8.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 40m (at point G)

Q
N ΣMG ↵ + = 0
4hx
θ
y G = 2 (L − x) 25(40) – 78.125(15.36) = MG
L
4(16)(40) MG = -200 kNm #
yG = [100 − 40]
M 100 2
y
y G = 15.36m ΣFN +=0
78.125 kN N - 78.125Cosθ - 25Sinθ = 0
4h
Slope = (L − 2x) N = 80.667 kN
25 kN L2 #
40 m
4(16)
Slope =
2
[100 − 2(40)] ΣFQ +=0
100
Slope = 0.128 Q - 78.125Sinθ + 25Cosθ = 0
Q = - 14.879 kN #
∴ θ = tan −1 0.128 = 7.294 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 23 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 9.
Calculate value of M, N and Q when x = 20m (at point H)

ΣMG ↵ + = 0
Q
4hx 25(20) – 78.125(10.24) = MH
N yH = (L − x)
θ L2 MH = -300 kNm #
4(16)(20)
yH = [100 − 20]
100 2 ΣFN +=0
M
y y H = 10.24m
N - 78.125Cosθ - 25Sinθ = 0
78.125 kN 4h N = 81.895 kN #
Slope = (L − 2x)
L2
25 kN
4(16)
20 m
Slope =
2
[100 − 2(20)] ΣFQ +=0
100 Q - 78.125Sinθ + 25Cosθ = 0
Slope = 0.384
Q = 4.668 kN #

∴ θ = tan −1 0.384 = 21.007 0

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 24 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 10.
Draw Bending Moment Diagram, Shear Force Diagram and Thrust Diagram.

100 kN

Point M (kNm) N (kN) Q (kN)

A 0 106.233 21.055
E 700 99.819 42.009
D (w/o L) 937.5 97.267 47.621
D (w L) 937.5 66.788 - 47.622
F 300 74.319 - 34.717
C 0 78.125 -25
G -200 80.667 -14.879
H -300 81.895 4.668
B 0 79.278 21.06

A E D F C G H B

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 25 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 11.
Bending Moment Diagram

Point A E D (w/o) D (w) F C G H B

M (kNm) 0 700 937.5 937.5 300 0 -200 -300 0

20 m 15 m 10 m 10 m 20 m 20 m

A E D F C G H B

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 26 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 12.
Shear Force Diagram
Point A E D (w/o) D (w) F C G H B
Q (kN) 21.06 42.01 47.62 - 47.62 - 34.72 -25 -14.879 4.668 21.06

20 m 15 m 10 m 10 m 20 m 20 m

A E D F C G H B

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 27 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 13.
Thrust Diagram
Point A E D (w/o) D (w) F C G H B
N (kN) 106.23 99.82 97.27 66.79 74.319 78.125 80.667 81.895 79.278

20 m 15 m 10 m 10 m 20 m 20 m

A E D F C G H B

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 28 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 (Pulau Pinang)

Review
Problem

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 29 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Problem 1
(Pulau Pinang)

A three-hinged parabolic arch is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 20 kN/m acting between A
to D as shown in Figure P1.

1. Calculate the length yd.

2. Determine the shear force Q and axial thrust N at point D.

20 kN/m

C D

yD 4m

A B
6m 3m 3m

Figure P1

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 30 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Problem 2
(Pulau Pinang)

A semi-circular three-hinged arch is pinned to the foundations at A and B and loaded as shown in Figure
P2. Given the radius is 6 m, write the equations for the bending moment in section BC of the arch in θ,
taking θ = 0° at B.

2m 2m
10 kN/m

50 kN
C

30 kN

A 300 450 B

Figure P2

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 31 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Problem 3
(Pulau Pinang)

A semi-circular three-hinged arch is pinned to the foundations at A and B and loaded as shown in Figure
Q1. The radius of the arch is 5m.

1. Calculate all the reaction forces.

2. Write down the bending moment equation(s) for segment AC and draw the corresponding
bending moment diagram.
40 kN
20 kN
C

B
450
600
300
A
O

Figure P3

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 32 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 Problem 4
(Pulau Pinang)

A three-hinged parabolic arch is as shown in Figure P4. It 5 kN/m

carries a uniformly distributed load of 5 kN/m between
points E and F, and a horizontal point load of 5 kN at
10 m
point D.
G
C
5 kN D 2.5 m
1. Evaluate all the reaction forces at A and B. E F
2. Determine all the internal forces at G. B
3. Write the equations for the bending moment in 5.76 m
the segment of the arch between B and C.
A
4. Draw the bending moment diagram for the
segment of the arch between B and C.
8m
20 m 15 m

Figure P4

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 33 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches

 (Pulau Pinang)
References

Hibbeler R.C, (2012), “Structural Analysis, 8th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
Hibbeler R.C, (2009), “Structural Analysis, 7th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
Hibbeler R.C, (2006), “Structural Analysis, 6th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
UiTM Structural Division (2003), “Basic Structural Analysis”, Cerdik Publications Sdn.
Bhd.
UiTM Structural Division (2003), “Basic Structural Mechanics”, Cerdik Publications
Sdn. Bhd.
Mc Cormac N., (1999), “Structural Analysis”, 2nd Edition, John Wiley and Sons

CES 424 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 34 of 34 Topic 5 – Analysis of Arches