Chapter: Arches and Cables in Structural Engineering
1. Introduction
Arches and cables are structural elements that efficiently resist loads by developing axial forces—
compression in arches and tension in cables. These structures are ideal for spanning large distances
with minimal material, making them highly efficient and widely used in bridges, roofs, and domes.
2. Arches
2.1. What is an Arch?
An arch is a curved structure that spans a space and supports loads primarily through compression.
Loads are transferred along the curve to the supports, creating horizontal thrust.
2.2. Types of Arches
Based on shape:
o Semicircular arch
o Segmental arch
o Parabolic arch (ideal for uniformly distributed loads)
Based on fixity:
o Three-hinged arch (hinged at both supports and the crown)
o Two-hinged arch (hinged only at supports)
o Fixed arch (no hinges, fully rigid)
2.3. Structural Behavior
Arches experience axial compression, bending, and shear.
Horizontal thrust at supports must be resisted.
The funicular shape of the arch (ideally parabolic under UDL) ensures zero bending moment.
2.4. Analysis of Arches
Three-Hinged Arch Analysis
Statistically determinate.
Use equilibrium equations:
o ∑M=0\sum M = 0∑M=0, ∑H=0\sum H = 0∑H=0, ∑V=0\sum V = 0∑V=0
Calculate:
o Reactions at supports
o Internal axial force, shear, and bending moment
o Zero moment at hinges
Two-Hinged Arch Analysis
Statistically indeterminate (degree of indeterminacy = 1)
Requires compatibility (deflection of arch span = 0)
Use elastic theory or moment distribution
Fixed Arch Analysis
Highly indeterminate (degree = 3)
Use:
o Flexibility method
o Stiffness method
o Finite element method for complex shapes
2.5. Funicular Shape and Eddy’s Theorem
A load-carrying shape (like a parabolic arch under UDL) produces zero bending.
Eddy’s Theorem: Bending moment is proportional to the vertical distance between the arch
and the funicular polygon.
3. Cables
3.1. What is a Cable?
A cable is a flexible, tension-only structural element. It takes the shape dictated by the loads applied
to it. Common in suspension bridges and roof structures.
3.2. Characteristics
No resistance to compression or bending
Deforms to align with the line of thrust
Develops only tensile forces
3.3. Types of Cable Structures
Suspension cables (e.g., bridge cables)
Cable-stayed structures
Tensioned membrane structures
3.4. Cable Shapes
Catenary (self-weight only): y=acosh(x/a)y = a \cosh(x/a)y=acosh(x/a)
Parabola (uniformly distributed load horizontally): y=wx22Hy = \frac{w x^2}{2H}y=2Hwx2
3.5. Analysis of Cables
Basic Assumptions
Cable is perfectly flexible and inextensible.
Loads are vertical (usually UDL).
For Parabolic Cable under UDL
Horizontal tension H=wL28hH = \frac{wL^2}{8h}H=8hwL2
Maximum tension occurs at supports:
T=H2+(V)2T = \sqrt{H^2 + (V)^2}T=H2+(V)2
Tension in Cables
Varies along the cable length
Maximum near supports due to vertical reactions
4. Comparison: Arches vs Cables
Feature Arch Cable
Primary Force Compression Tension
Material Rigid Flexible
Shape under UDL Parabola Parabola
Reactions Vertical + Horizontal Vertical only (with anchors)
Stability Requires rigid supports Requires anchorages
5. Practical Applications
Arches: Stone bridges, viaducts, long-span roofs, aqueducts
Cables: Suspension bridges, tensioned roofs (stadiums), power lines
6. Example Problems
Example 1: Three-Hinged Arch under UDL
A 3-hinged parabolic arch of span 30 m and rise 6 m carries a UDL of 20 kN/m. Find the reactions and
bending moment at 10 m from the left support.
Solution Summary:
Compute reactions using statics
Use the arch equation to find bending moment at a point
Check for zero moment at crown hinge
Example 2: Cable Under UDL
A cable spans 40 m with a central sag of 5 m and supports a UDL of 10 kN/m. Calculate the
horizontal tension and maximum tension in the cable.
Solution Summary:
H=wL28h=10×4028×5=4000H = \frac{wL^2}{8h} = \frac{10 × 40^2}{8 × 5} = 4000H=8hwL2
=8×510×402=4000 kN
Vertical reaction: V=wL2=200V = \frac{wL}{2} = 200V=2wL=200 kN
Max tension at support:
T=H2+V2=40002+2002≈4005T = \sqrt{H^2 + V^2} = \sqrt{4000^2 + 200^2} \approx
4005T=H2+V2=40002+2002≈4005 kN
7. Summary
Arches resist load via compression; cables via tension.
Arches need to resist horizontal thrust; cables need proper anchoring.
Parabolic shape is optimal for both under UDL.
Three-hinged arches are easier to analyze; fixed ones are more rigid but complex.
Cable analysis is simplified using statics and geometry under assumptions.
