THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH
Submitted by: FAIZAN ALI
06-CE-10

CONTENTS
HISTORY.
ARCH.
USE.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS.
HINGE INTRODUCTION.
CLASSIFICATION.
INTRODUCTION OF THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH.
DERIVATIONS AND EXAMPLES.
CURRENT USE.

1. HISTORY (contd.)
Arches were used by the Persian,

Harappan, Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek and

Assyrian civilizations for underground
structures such as drains and vaults, but
the ancient Romans were the first to use
them widely above ground although it is
thought that Romans learned it from the
Etruscans. The arch has been used in some
bridges in China since the Sui dynasty and
in tombs since the Han Dynasty.

1. HISTORY (contd.)
ARCH
A structure, usually curved, that when
subjected to vertical loads causes its two
end supports to develop reactions with
inwardly directed horizontal
components.

Parts:
The designations of the various parts of
an arch are given in the illustration.

1. HISTORY (contd.)
Use:
The commonest uses for an arch are as a bridge, supporting a

roadway, railroad track, or footpath, and as part of a building,

where it provides a large open space unobstructed by columns.
Arches are usually built of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber.
Technical Aspects:
The arch is significant because, in theory at least, it provides a
structure which eliminates tensile stresses in spanning an open
space. All the forces are resolved into compressive stresses .
This is useful because several of the available building

materials such as stone, cast iron and concrete can strongly

resist compression but are very weak when tension, shear or
torsional stress is applied to them. By using the arch
configuration, significant spans can be achieved.

1. HISTORY (contd.)
Hinge Introduction:
Two unknowns. The reaction are two components of

Force, or the magnitude and direction of the resultant

force .
At the hinge joint moment is zero means it cant resist the
bending moment produce by external force.

a. Hinge less Arch:

The hinge-less arch uses
Classification
no hinges and allows no
rotation at the
foundations.
b. Two Hinged Arch:
The two hinged arch uses
hinged bearings which
allow rotation. The only
forces generated at the
bearings are horizontal
and vertical forces.

Classification (contd.)
c. Tree Hinged Arch:
The three-hinged arch adds
an additional hinge at the top
or crown of the arch. The
three-hinged arch suffers very
little if there is movement in
either foundation (due to
earthquakes, sinking, etc.)
d. Tied Arch:
The tied arch is a variation on
the arch which allows
construction even if the
ground is not solid enough to
deal with the horizontal
forces.

2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH
A three hinged system consist

of two plates, connected

together by means of a hinge
with two hinged supports A and
B resting on the ground.
When the plates 1 and 2 consist
of curved bars, the system is
called a three-hinged arch.
The distance l between the
centers of the hinges at the
support is called the span of
arch.
While distance f from the center
of the crown hinge to the
straight line passing through
the former two is called its rise.

2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH (contd.)
A three hinged system may or may not

have a vertical axis of symmetry. In the first

case the central hinge c will lie on the axis
of symmetry and the hinges at the support
A and B are at same level.
Non symmetrical systems may have their
supports at different level.

2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH (contd.)

Determinacy:
The reactions of a three hinged arch will be fully
determined by four parameters, for instance,
the amounts of reaction Ha, Hb, Va, and Vb.
Thus a three hinged system is always statically
determinate

2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH (contd.)
Advantages:

One of the advantages of three hinged arch is that

the bending moments and shears acting over cross

sections of three hinged arches are considerably
smaller than the corresponding stresses in a simple
beam covering the same span and carrying the same
load. Therefore three hinged arches are more
economical than ordinary beams, particularly for
large span structures.
Calculations are easier than other type of arches.
No bending moments are caused at the abutments
and the crown because hinges cannot resist
moments.

2. THREE HINGED CIRCULAR

ARCH (contd.)
Differential settlements of the supports do not

appreciably affect stresses, since the pines or

hinges enable the arch to take up the slightly
different shape consequent upon settlement.
The pin joints enable the arch to adjust itself to
expansions and contractions due to changes in
temperature.
A disadvantage is that bending moments away
from the pins are larger than in the 2-pin and
completely rigid arches.

3. DERIVATIONS AND
EXAMPLES.

Supports Reactions of a three-hinged

Arch:
1.Analytical Method.
2.Graphical Method.

3. DERIVATIONS AND
EXAMPLES.
(contd.)
Analytical Method:
When a system of vertical load is applied to a three hinged, a

vertical and horizontal reactions will arise at each of two

supports making four reactions to be determined at all. In
addition of three equations of equilibrium, a fourth equation
can be used in the case of a three hinged arch; this equation
demonstrates that the bending moment at the hinge C equals
zero both right or to the left of this hinge.
Left Mc = 0 or right Mc = 0.

Analytical Method.
General Steps:
In the case of an ordinary arch as shown above, we may
first write the equilibrium equation for the moments of all
forces about hinge B which will contain only one vertical
reaction Va.
Then we will use the equation left Mc = 0. this equation
may contain the reactions Va which has been just
determined and the unknown reaction Ha.
Then we may proceed with the solution of an equation
demonstrating that the moment of all the external forces
about hinge A is zero which will give us the value of
reaction Vb.
Then we obtain the magnitude of Hb by equating to zero
the projection of all the external forces on the horizontal.
The computation just described may be checked using the
equations
Y = 0 and Mc = 0.

Analytical Method. (contd.)

DERIVTION of

REACTIONS.

The last formula shows that the;

Thrust arising at both supports of
three hinged symmetrical arches
subjected to vertical loads are
equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction.

Analytical Method (contd.)

Calculation of

Reactions when a
UDL is applied.
Va = Vb = q*l
Ha = Hb =q*l/4

Graphical Method
Steps:
The graphical determination of the reactions requires

that the resultants R1 and R2 of all the forces applied to

the left and to the right of the central hinge should be
found in the first place. The reactions induced by each of
these resultants R1 and R2 will then are determined,
their summation giving the final value of the reactions
required.
Consider the following arch:

Graphical Method (contd.)

We may start with determining the reactions at

the support caused by the application of the

force R1. In this case the reaction at the right
hand support B1 must pass through the hinge at
this support and the hinge C at the crown as
otherwise the right hand portion if the arch
which is subjected solely to the reaction at B1
and the interaction of hinge C could not remain
in equilibrium.
with reaction A1 arising at the left hand support,
the arch as a whole will be in equilibrium under
the action of three forces A1, B1, R1.

Graphical Method (contd.)

Theoretical Mechanics states that three

coplanar forces acting on a body in

equilibrium must concur at one and the
same point.
The use of this theorem enables us to find
the direction of reaction A1 after which the
force polygon will give us the magnitude of
both the support reactions A1 and B1.
The support Reactions A2 and B2 due to the
application of right hand resultant R2 will
be found in exactly the same way.

Graphical Method (contd.)

Some Examples:

3. DERIVATIONS AND EXAMPLES

Determination of stresses in Three

Hinged Circular Arches:

Analytical method is used here to calculate
the internal forces (i.e; Axial force, shear
force and bending moment) at a crosssection of a arch.

Analytical method

1.

2.

Case 1:
When a semicircular
three hinged arch is
subjected to two loads
on one side of the crown
hinge.
First of all calculate the
reactions by the method
described above.
NORMAL FORCE: the
normal force at x is
obtained by resolving
the forces to one side of
the x in a direction
tangential to arch at x .
Nx = -Va cos Ha sin
+ P1 cos

Analytical method (contd.)

SHEAR FORCE: The shear at x can be found by
resolving the forces to one side of the x in a
direction perpendicular to the tangent at x. We
shall take the positive shear force as acting radially
inwards when it is to the left of the section.
Sx = - Va sin + Ha cos + P1 sin
4. BENDING MOMENT: Now taking moments about x
for forces to the left of x and regarding a positive
moment as causing tension on the outer side of
the arch, we have;
Mx = Va( r rcos ) Ha*r*sin P1( rcos
rcos)
3.

Analytical method (contd.)

1.

2.

3.

Case 2:
To calculate the internal
forces when the portion
of a three hinged circular
arch is subjected to a
load.
First of all calculate all
the reactions by the
method described above.
Since the structure is
symmetrical, we need to
only analyze one half.
Consider the section of
AC shown in the figure.
Note that due to circular
form, it is easiest to work
in terms of the angle
measured from the
center, rather the
distance along the arch.

Analytical method (contd.)

4. Resolve vertically:
5.
6.

7.

S sin + T cos + Va = 0
Resolve horizontally:
T sin + S cos + Ha = 0
Solving simultaneously:
S = - Va sin + Ha cos,
T = - Va cos + Ha sin
Now the moment at the
section x is given by:
M + Ha(r sin r/2)
Va(l rcos ) = 0
This solution is only valid
for the whole of AC.

Real Life Examples

To calculate the reactions of a three Hinged
Circular Arch.
1. The Ayub arch, Pakistan.
Built in: 1962
Location: Sukkur-Rohri, Pakistan.
Type: Two hinged Circular arch
1.

Example 1
Calculation of reactions:
Take moment about A = 0:

Ma = - 60*20 -40*70 + Vb*100 =

0
Vb*100 = 1200 +2800
Vb = 4000/100 = 40N
Now take moment about B = 0:
Mb = -Va*100 +60*80 + 40*30 =
0
Va*100 = 4800 + 1200
Va = 6000/100 = 60N
Now take moment about C to its
left equal to zero
LM c = 60*30 -60*50 + Ha*30 = 0
Ha*30 = 3000 1800
Ha = 1200/30 = 40N
Now take the moment about C to
its right equals to zero:
RM c = -40*20 +40*50 Hb*30 =
0
Hb*30 = 1200

Example 2
The Iron Bridge,

England:
Carries: pedestrian traffic
Crosses: River Severn
Locale: Iron bridge Gorge
near Coalbrookdale
Design: cast iron arch
bridge
Longestspan: 30.5meters
(100ft)
Totallength: 60meters
(200ft)
Clearance below: 60feet
(18m)
Beginningdate of
construction: 1775
Completiondate: 1779
Openingdate: 1781-01-01

Example 2 (contd.)
calculation of reactions:
MB = 0

- Ay*200 + 6000*100 = 0
Ay = 600000/200 = 3000 N
Fy = 0
Ay +By = 6000
By = 3000 N
Now in this case the reaction:
Ax = Bx = H
So by taking sum of all the
moments acting to the left of
hinge C equal to zero, we get:
L Mc = 0
Ay* l/2 H*60 30*100*50 =
0
H*60 = 3000*100 150000
H*60 = 300000 150000
H = 2500 N

Example 2 (contd.)
Calculation of Internal Forces

at a section:
where:
P1 = 6000 N, l = 100 ft , r =
120ft , = 118
Ha = Hb = H = 2500 N
Va = Vb = 3000N
1. Normal force at x: Nx:
We will resolve the forces to
the right of X in a direction
tangential to the arch at x.
Considering tensile forces to
be positive.
Nx = -3000 cos 60 -2500
sin60 +1441.2 cos 60
= -1500 -2165.1 + 720.6
= - 2944.5 N

Example
2
(contd.)
2. Shear force at x: Sx:
The shear at x can be found by

resolving the forces to one side of the

x in a direction perpendicular to the
tangent at x. We shall take the
positive shear force as acting radially
inwards when it is to the left of the
section.
Sx = -3000 sin60 + 2500 cos60 +
1441.2 sin60
= -2598.07 + 1250 + 1248.116
= -99.954N
3. Bending moment at x: Mx:
Now taking moments about x for
forces to the right of x and regarding
a positive moment as causing tension
on the outer side of the arch, we
have;
Mx = 3000(100 120 cos 60) 2500 *
120* sin 60 1441.2 (120 cos 39
120 cos 60)
= 120000 259807.62 47937.382
= - 187745.02N
= - 187.745 KN.ft = -57.767 kN.m

Example 3

3. Salginatobel Bridge.
Salginatobel Bridge is a reinforced concrete
arch bridge designed by renowned Swiss civil
engineer Robert Maillart.
It was constructed across an alpine valley in
Schiers, Switzerland between 1929 and 1930.
Technical Profile
Construction type: Three-hinged arch,
developed as hollow-box girder
Construction material: Reinforced concrete
Total length: 132.30 m
Width of roadway: 3.50 m
Slope of roadway: 3% or 3.97 m
Span of arch: 90.04 m
Arch rise: 12.99 m
Load bearing capacity: 8 t or 350 kg/m2
Height above water: over 90 m
Design Engineer: Robert Maillart, Geneva
Construction time: 1929/30

Example 3 (contd.)
Calculation of reactions:
MB = 0

Va*90 308.7*45 = 0
Va = 13891.5/90 = 154.35kN
MA = 0
-Vb*90 + 308.7*45 = 0
Va = 154.35 kN
Now:
Ha = Hb = H
L Mc = 0
-Va* 45 + H*13 = 0
H = 6945.75/13 = 534.288kN

Example 3 (contd.)
Calculation of internal forces at

section x:
Resolve vertically all the forces:
S sin60 + T cos60 = -154.350
Resolve horizontally all the forces
acting at section x:
T sin60 S cos60 = -534.288
Now solving simultaneously, we get:
S = - 154.350*sin60 +
534.288*cos60
S = -13.26 + 267.144 = 253.884 kN
T = -154.350*cos60
534.288*sin60
T = -77.175 462.71 = -539.88 kN
Now Bending moment at section x
M + 534.288(52 sin60 39)
154.350(45 52 cos 60) = 0
M = - 3223.53 + 2932.65 =
-290.88 kN.m
(this solution is valid for when 49 <
< 90)

Example 4
4. The Transverse Arch:
Location: Mahdia Mosque. Iraq.
Built in: 8th Century.

Example 4 (contd.)
Calculation of Reactions:
MA = 0

- 10(5 5 cos45) 10(5 + 5

cos 45) + Vb*10 = 0
Vb = (14.64 +85.35)/10
Vb = 99.99/10 = 9.9 or 10N
Fy = 0
Va 10 10 +10 = 0
Va = 10N.
L Mc = 0
-10*5 + Ha*5 + 10*3.535 =
0
Ha = 14.644/5 = 3N
And Hb = 3N

Example 4 (contd.)
Calculation of internal forces:

1. At section x1:
Normal force = Nx1 = - 10 sin15 + 3
cos15
= -9.66 -0.776
= -10.4N (comp)
Shear force = Sx1 = -10 sin15 + 3 cos 15
= -2.588 + 2.897
= 0.309N
Moment = Mx1 = 10(5-5 cos15)
3*5*sin15
= 1.704-3.882
= - 2.178N.m
2. At section x2:
Nx2 = - 10 cos30 3 sin30
= - 0.866 1.5
= - 10.16N (comp)
Sx2 = -10 sin30 + 3 cos30
= -5 +2.6 = -2.4N
Mx2 = 10(5 -5 cos30) 3*5*sin30
= 6.699 7.5 = -0.801N.m

Example 4 (contd.)

2.At section x3:

Nx3 = -10 cos45 3 sin45 + 10 cos45
= - 2.12N
Sx3 = - 10 sin45 + 3 cos45 + 10 sin45
= 2.12N
Mx3 = 10(5 5 cos45) 3*5*sin45
10(5 cos45 5 cos45)
= 14.64 10.61 = 4N.m.
4. At section x4:
Nx4 = -10 cos60 3 sin60 + 10 cos60
= - 2.598 or -2.6N
Sx4 = - 10 sin60 + 3 cos60 + 10 sin60
= 1.5N
Mx4 = 10(5 - 5 cos60) 3*5*sin60
10( 5 cos45 5 cos60)
= 25 12.94 10.355
= 1.704N.m

Example 4 (contd.)

5. At section x5:
Nx5 = - 10 cos75 3 sin75 + 10 cos75
= - 2.89N
Sx5 = - 10 sin75 + 3 cos75 + 10 sin75
= 0.776N
Mx5 = 10(5 - 5 cos75) 3*5*sin75
10( 5 cos45 5 cos75)
= 37.06 14.49 22.41
= 0.16N.m
6. At section x6:
Nx6 = -10 cos90 3 sin90 + 10 cos90
= - 3N
Sx6 = - 10 sin90 + 3 cos90 + 10 sin90
= 0N
Mx6 = 10(5 - 5 cos90) 3*5*sin90
10( 5 cos45 5 cos90)
= 50 15 10(3.5)
= 0N.m

Example 4 (contd.)
Note: Since the arch is symmetrical so we will

analyse only one half of the arch.

Sectio ,
n

X ,m

Y ,m

N(NF) S(SF) M
,N
,N
,N.m

X1

15

4.82

1.3

-10.4

X2

30

4.33

2.5

-10.16 -2.4

-0.8

X3

45

3.54

3.54

-2.12

2.12

4.03

X4

60

2.5

4.33

-2.6

1.5

1.704

X5

75

1.3

4.82

-2.89

0.776

0.16

X6

90

-3

0.31

-2.18

Example 4 (contd.)

Current Use

Now the three hinged arch bridges are rarely used. In the

past we find very few examples of this type of bridges, of

which I found out the following:
1. The Iron Bridge, England:
Design: cast iron arch bridge
Completiondate: 1779
2. Salginatobel Bridge.
Construction type: Three-hinged arch, developed as
hollow-box girder
Construction time:
1929/30

Reasons:
Following are the reasons due to which this type of
bridges is not used nowadays:
1. The three-hinged arch experiences much more deflection
and the hinges are complex and can be difficult to
fabricate. The three-hinged arch is rarely used anymore.
2. Bending moments away from the pins are larger than in
the 2-pin and completely rigid arches.

REFERENCES:
Book: STRUCTURAL MECHANICS

Edited by: PROFESSOR A. DARKOV D. SC. (ENG.)

Book: THE ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES
By W. MORGANS
Book: STRUCTURES (Theory and Analysis)
By: M S Williams and T J Todd.
Book: STRUCTURES AND STRESS ANALYSIS
By: T H G Megson.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch
http://www.ecf.toronto.edu/apsc/courses/civ214/Le
ctures/Arches_and_cables.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salginatobel_Bridge
http://www.interactiveds.com.au/Conc99ArchStructures-textonly.doc.