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Experiment No. 09
Horizontal reaction of a Two Hinged Arch
Aim: To determine the horizontal reaction of the two-hinged arch experimentally and
verifying the same theoretically.
Apparatus: Digital force display, aluminium arch, securing thumb screws, connecting wires.
Theory: An arch may be defined as a curved girder, having convexity upwards, and
supported at its ends. It may be subjected to vertical, horizontal or even inclined
loads. In the past, the arches had been the backbone of the important building
activity, the arches are becoming obsolete. Today the arches are being provided
only for the architectural beauty in ultra-modern buildings.
Arches are economical as compare to beams since the moment in case of arch
is reduced to some extent as compare to beam. Let us take an example of simply
supported beam and arch and determine the value of bending moment at some
section.
W
x
W
y r
H H
L
x RA RB
RA RB
In the above case the bending moment at a section which is at a distance ‘x’
from the left support is given as:
𝑀𝑥𝑥 = 𝑅𝐴 𝑥 x
Where, RA = W/2
But for the parabolic arch the bending moment at a section which is at a distance
‘x’ from the left support and the rise at the section is say ‘y’, the equation is
given as
𝑀𝑥𝑥 = 𝑅𝐴 𝑥 x − 𝐻 𝑥 𝑦
From the above two equation we can say that the bending moment in case of
parabolic arch is reduced by an amount H x Y, due to which economy can be
achieved in case of arches as compared to beams.
Procedure:
1) Place an assembled Test Frame on a workbench. Make sure the ‘window’ of
the test frame is easily accessible.
2) There are four securing nuts in the top groove of the bottom member of the
frame. Slide them to approximately the position shown in figure.
3) Fit the left-hand support and arch rib to the frame using two thumb
screws (on the front only) into the frame securing nuts.
4) Fit the right-hand support in roughly the correct position and fasten as
per the left-hand support. Allow the bearings to run on the support track.
5) Adjust the position of the righthand support until the distance between the
arch pivots is 500 mm the right hand pin should now be resting gently against
the load cell.
6) Make sure the Digital Force Display is ‘on’. Connect the mini DIN
lead from ‘Force Input 1’ on the Digital Force Display to the socket marked
‘force output’ on the right hand side of the support.
7) Carefully zero the force meter using the dial on the right-hand support of
the experiment. Gently apply a small load a finger to the crown of the arch and
release. Zero the meter again if necessary. Repeat to ensure the meter returns
to zero.
Observations:
Conclusion: