Module

5
Cables and Arches
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 Lesson
34
Symmetrical Hingeless
Arch
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Instructional Objectives:
After reading this chapter the student will be able to
1. Analyse hingeless arch by the method of least work.
2. Analyse the fixed-fixed arch by the elastic-centre method.
3. Compute reactions and stresses in hingeless arch due to temperature
change.

34.1 Introduction
As stated in the previous lesson, two-hinged and three-hinged arches are
commonly used in practice. The deflection and the moment at the center of the
hingeless arch are somewhat smaller than that of the two-hinged arch. However,
the hingeless arch has to be designed for support moment. A hingeless arch
(fixed–fixed arch) is a statically redundant structure having three redundant
reactions. In the case of fixed–fixed arch there are six reaction components;
three at each fixed end. Apart from three equilibrium equations three more
equations are required to calculate bending moment, shear force and horizontal
thrust at any cross section of the arch. These three extra equations may be set
up from the geometry deformation of the arch.

34.2 Analysis of Symmetrical Hingeless Arch

Consider a symmetrical arch of span L and central rise of hc Let the loading on
the arch is also symmetrical as shown in Fig 34.1. Consider reaction components

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at the left support A i.e., bending moment M a , vertical reaction Ray and horizontal
thrust H a as redundants.

Considering only the strain energy due to axial compression and bending, the
strain energy U of the arch may be written as

s s
M 2 ds N 2 ds
U =∫ +∫ (34.1)
0
2 EI 0
2 EA

where M and N are respectively the bending moment and axial force of the
arch rib. Since the support A is fixed, one could write following three equations at
that point.

∂U
=0 (34.2a)
∂M a

∂U
=0 (34.2b)
∂H a

∂U
=0 (34.2c)
∂Ray

Knowing dimensions of the arch and loading, using the above three equations,
the unknown redundant reactions M a , H a and Ray may be evaluated.
Since the arch and the loading are symmetrical, the shear force at the crown is
zero. Hence, at the crown we have only two unknowns. Hence, if we take the
internal forces at the crown as the redundant, the problem gets simplified.

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Hence, consider bending moment M c and the axial force N c at the crown as the
redundant. Since the arch and the loading is symmetrical, we can write from the
principle of least work

∂U
=0 (34.3a)
∂M c

∂U
=0 (34.3b)
∂N c

∂U M ∂M N ∂N
s s
=∫ ds + ∫ ds = 0 (34.4a)
∂M c 0 EI ∂M c 0
EA ∂M c

∂U M ∂M N ∂N
s s
=∫ ds + ∫ ds = 0 (34.4b)
∂N c 0 EI ∂N c 0
EA ∂N c

Where, s is the length of centerline of the arch, I is the moment of inertia of the
cross section and A is the area of the cross section of the arch. Let M 0 and N 0
be the bending moment and the axial force at any cross section due to external
loading. Now the bending moment and the axial force at any section is given by

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 M = M c + Nc y + M 0 (34.5a)

N = N c cosθ + N 0 (34.5b)

∂M ∂M ∂N ∂N
=1; = y; = cos θ ; =0. (34.6)
∂M c ∂N c ∂N c ∂M c

Equation (34.4a) and (34.4b) may be simplified as,

s s
M N
∫0 EI (1)ds + ∫0 EA (0)ds = 0
s s s
ds y ds M
Mc ∫ + Nc ∫ = − ∫ 0 ds (34.7a)
0
EI 0
EI 0
EI

s s
M N
∫0 EI yds + ∫0 EA cosθ ds = 0
s s s s s
Mc y Nc y 2 N M y N
∫0 EI ds + ∫0 EI ds + ∫0 EAc cos θ ds = −∫0 EI0 ds − ∫0 EA0 cosθ ds
2
(34.7b)

From equations 34.7a and 34.7b, the redundant M c and N c may be calculated
provided arch geometry and loading are defined. If the loading is unsymmetrical
or the arch is unsymmetrical, then the problem becomes more complex. For such
problems either column analogy or elastic center method must be adopted.
However, one could still get the answer from the method of least work with little
more effort.

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34.3 Temperature stresses

Consider an unloaded fixed-fixed arch of span L . The rise in temperature, would

introduce a horizontal thrust H t and a moment M t at the supports. Now due to
rise in temperature, the moment at any cross-section of the arch

M = M t − Htt (34.8)

Now strain energy stored in the arch

s
M 2 ds
U =∫
0
2 EI

Now applying the Castigliano’s first theorem,

∂U M ∂M
s
=α L T = ∫ ds
∂H t 0
EI ∂H t

s s
Mt y y2
α LT == ∫ ds − H t ∫ ds (34.9)
0
EI 0
EI

Also,

∂U M ∂M
s
=0=∫ ds
∂M t 0
EI ∂M t

s
(M t − H t y)
∫0
EI
ds = 0

s s
ds yds
Mt ∫ − Ht ∫ =0 (34.10)
0
EI 0
EI

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Solving equations 34.9 and 34.10, M t and H t may be calculated.

Example 34.1
A semicircular fixed-fixed arch of constant cross section is subjected to
symmetrical concentrated load as shown in Fig 34.4. Determine the reactions of
the arch.

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Solution:
Since, the arch is symmetrical and the loading is also symmetrical,

Ray = Rby = 40 kN (1)

Now the strain energy of the arch is given by,

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 s s
M 2 ds N 2 ds
U =∫ +∫ (2)
0
2 EI 0
2 EA

Let us choose H a and M a as redundants. Then we have,

∂U ∂U
= 0 and =0 (3)
∂M a ∂H a

The bending moment at any cross section is given by,

M = Ray x − M a − H a y 0 ≤ θ ≤ θD (4)

M = Ray x − M a − H a y − 40( x − 10) θD ≤ θ ≤ π / 2

N = H a cos(90 − θ ) + Ra cosθ

N = H a sin θ + Ra cosθ 0 ≤ θ ≤ θD (5)

N = H a sin θ + ( Ra − 40) cos θ θ ≤θ ≤π /2 (6)

y = R sin θ

x = R (1 − cos θ )

And ds = Rdθ

See Fig 34.5.

∂U
s s
M N
= ∫ (−1)ds + ∫ (0)ds = 0
∂M a 0 EI 0
EA

s
M
∫ EI ds = 0
0
Since the arch is symmetrical, integration need to be carried out

between limits 0 to π / 2 and the result is multiplied by two.

π /2
M
2 ∫
0
EI
ds = 0

π /2 π /2 π /2 π /2

∫ 40R(1 − cosθ )Rdθ − ∫ M

0 0
a Rdθ − H a ∫ R sin θ Rdθ − π ∫ 40[ R(1 − cosθ ) − 10]Rdθ = 0
0 / 2.552

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 22.8310 R 2 − 1.571M a R − H a R 2 − 41.304 R 2 + 135.92 R = 0

342.477 − 1.571M a − 15 H a − 169.56 + 135.92 = 0

1.571M a + 15 H a − 308.837 = 0

∂U
s s
M N
= ∫ (− y )ds + ∫ (sin θ )ds = 0
∂H a 0 EI 0
EA

π /2 π /2
1 1
EI ∫ (− R sin θ ){[40 R(1 − cosθ )] − M a − H a ( R sin θ )}Rdθ −
0
EI π / 2∫.552
(− R sin θ ){[ 40[ R (1 − cos θ ) − 10]]}Rdθ +

π /2 π /2
( H a sin θ + Ra cos θ ) 1
∫
0
EA
(sin θ ) Rdθ −
EA π / 2∫.552
(sin θ )40 cos θ Rdθ = 0

π /2
40 R 3 40 R 3 M R2 H R3 H R R ( Ray ) sin θ cos θ
∫
0
{−
EI
sin θ +
EI
sin θ cos θ + a sin θ + a sin 2 θ + a sin 2 θ −
EI EI EA EA
}dθ +

π /2
40 R 3 40 R 3 400 R 2 40 R
∫
π / 2.552
{
EI
sin θ −
EI
sin θ cos θ −
EI
sin θ −
EA
sin θ cos θ }dθ = 0

− 40 40 1 M H H 40 1
(1) + ( ) + a (1) + a (0.785) + 2 a (0.785) − 2 ( ) +
I I 2 IR I R A R A 2
40 40 400 40
(0.333) − (0.0554) − (0.333) − 2 (0.0555) = 0
I I RI R A

− 266 + 23.58 H a + 2 M a = 0 (7)

Solving equations (6) and (7), H a and M a are evaluated. Thus,

H a = 28.28 kN
M a = −466.42 kN (8)

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34.4 Elastic centre method

Equations (34.7a) and (34.7b) are quite difficult to solve. However, they can be
further simplified if the origin of co-ordinates is moved from C to O in Fig. 34.3.
The distance d is chosen such that y1 (= y − d ) satisfies the following condition.

s
y1 s
( y − d ) ds = 0
∫ EI ds = ∫ EI
(34.10a)
0 0

Solving which, the distance d may be computed as

s
y
∫ EI ds
d= 0
s 34.10b)
ds
∫ EI
0

The point O is known as the elastic centre of the arch. Now equation (34.7a) can
be written with respect to new origin O . Towards this, substitute y = y1 + d in
equation (34.7a).

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 s
ds s
(y + d) s
M
Mc∫ + Nc ∫ 1 ds = − ∫ 0 ds (34.11)
0 EI 0 EI 0 EI

s
y
In the above equation, ∫ 1 ds is zero. Hence the above equation is rewritten as
0 EI

s
M0
∫ ds
0 EI
M c + Ncd = − s (34.12)
ds
∫ EI
0

~
Now, ( M c + N c d ) is the moment M 0 at O (see Fig. 34.3). Similarly the equation
(34.7b) is also simplified. Thus we obtain,

s
M0
∫ ds
~ 0 EI
M 0 = M c + Ncd = − s (34.13)
ds
∫ EI
0

and,

s
M 0 y1 s
N 0 cos θ
~
∫ EI ds + ∫ EA ds
H0 = Nc = − 0 0
(34.14)
s
y 21 s
cos 2 θ
∫ EI
ds + ∫ ds
0 0 EA

34.4.1Temperature stresses
Consider a symmetrical hinge less arch of span L , subjected to a temperature
~ ~
rise of T ° C . Let elastic centre O be the origin of co-ordinates and H 0 , M 0 be the
~
redundants. The magnitude of horizontal force H 0 be such as to counteract the
αLT
increase in the span due to rise in temperature T . Also from Symmetry,
2
there must not be any rotation at the crown. Hence,

∂U s
M ∂M
=0=∫ ~ ds = 0 (34.15)
∂M O 0 EI ∂M O

∂U s
M ∂M s
N ∂N α LT
~ = ∫ ~
∂H O 0 EI ∂H O
ds + ∫ ~ ds = (34.16)
0 EA ∂H O 2

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Moment at any section is calculated by,
~ ~
M = M O + HO y

~
N = H O cosθ

s ~
MO
∫0 EI ds = 0
~
MO = 0 (34.17)

and

s⎛ ~ s⎛ ~
H O y1 ⎞ H O cos θ ⎞
∫ ⎜ EI ⎟ y1ds + ∫ ⎜⎜ EA
⎜ ⎟ ⎟ cos θds = αLT
⎟ 2
0⎝ ⎠ 0⎝ ⎠

Simplifying the above equation,

αLT
~ 2
HO = (34.18)
s⎛ 2 ⎞ s⎛ ⎞
⎜ y 1
⎟ ⎜ cos 2 θ ⎟ds
∫ ⎜ EI ⎟ ds + ∫ ⎜ EA ⎟
0⎝ ⎠ 0⎝ ⎠

~
Using equation (34.18), the horizontal thrust H O due to uniform temperature rise
in the arch can be easily calculated provided the dimensions of the arch are
known. Usually the area of the cross section and moment of inertia of the arch
vary along the arch axis.

Example 30.2
A symmetrical hinge less circular arch of constant cross section is subjected to a
uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m . The arch dimensions are shown in Fig.
34.7a. Calculate the horizontal thrust and moment at A .

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The distance d of the elastic centre from the crown C is calculated by equation,

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 s
y
∫ EI ds
d= 0
s (1)
ds
∫ EI
0

From Fig.34.7b, the ordinate at d , is given by

y = 50(1 − cos θ )

50(1 − cos θ )
π /6

∫ EI
50dθ
d= 0
π /6
50dθ
∫
0
EI

⎛π 1⎞
50 ⎜ − ⎟
d= ⎝
6 2⎠
= 2.2535 m. (2)
π
6

The elastic centre O lies at a distance of 2.2535 m from the crown. The moment at
the elastic centre may be calculated by equation (34.12). Now the bending
moment at any section of the arch due to applied loading at a distance x from
elastic centre is

s 2
5x
−∫ ds
~ 0 EI
MO = s (3)
ds
∫ EI
0

In the present case, x = 50 sin θ and ds = 50 dθ , EI = constant

π /6
−5 × 503 ∫ sin θ dθ
2

M% O = 0
π /6
50 ∫ dθ
0

⎛ π 1 ⎛ π ⎞⎞
− sin ⎜ ⎟
5 × 50 ⎜⎝ 6 2 ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎟⎠
2
M C + NC d = − = −1081.29 kN.m (4)
2 π
6

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 ⎛L ⎞
N O = 10 ⎜ − x ⎟ cos θ
⎝2 ⎠

And.

y1 = y − d

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 y1 = 50 (1 − cos θ ) − 2.25

y1 = 47.75 − 50 cos θ

~
Now H O is given by equation (34.14). Thus

s
M 0 y1 s
N 0 cos θ
~
∫ EI ds + ∫ EA ds
H0 = Nc = − 0 0
(5)
s
y 21 s
cos 2 θ
∫ EI
ds + ∫ ds
0 0 EA

s π /6
M y 1
∫0 EI0 1 ds = EI ∫ 5 x ( 47.75 − 50 cos θ ) 50 dθ
2

π /6
250
= ∫ ( 50sin θ ) ( 47.75 − 50 cos θ ) dθ
2

EI 0

π /6

∫ ( 23.875 (1 − cos 2θ ) − 50 cos θ sin θ )

625000
= 2
dθ
EI 0

π /6
625000 ⎛ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎞
=
EI ∫ ⎜⎝ 23.875 (1 − cos 2θ ) − 25 ⎜⎝ cos θ − 2 ( cos 3θ + cos θ ) ⎟⎠ ⎟⎠
0
dθ

49630.735
= (6)
EI

π /6
N cos θ
s
1
∫0 0EA ds = EA ∫ 10 ( 25 − x ) cos θ dθ
2

π /6
10 ⎛ ⎛ 1 + cos 2θ ⎞ ⎞
= ∫ ⎜⎝ 25 ⎜⎝ ⎟ − 50sin θ cos θ ⎟ dθ
2

EA 0
2 ⎠ ⎠

π /6

∫ (12.5 (1 + cos 2θ ) − 25 ( sin θ + sin θ cos 2θ ) )

10
= dθ
EA 0

π /6
⎛ 1⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎞
10
( ( ) )0
π /6
= 12.5 θ + sin 2θ − 25 ⎜⎜ − (cos θ )π /6
0 + ⎜ − cos 3θ − cos θ ⎟ ⎟⎟
EA ⎝ 2⎝ 3 ⎠0 ⎠

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 81.795
= (7)
EA
s π /6
y 21 1
∫ ds = ∫ ( 47.75 − 50 cos θ ) 50 dθ
2

0
EI EI 0

π /6

∫ ( 2280.06 + 2500 cos θ − 4775cos θ ) dθ

50
= 2

EI 0

50 ⎛ ⎛π ⎞ ⎛π 1 π⎞ π⎞
= ⎜ 2280.06 ⎜ ⎟ + 1250 ⎜ + sin ⎟ − 4775sin ⎟
EI ⎝ ⎝6⎠ ⎝6 2 3⎠ 6⎠

105.046
= (8)
EI
π /6
cos 2 θ
s
50
∫0 EA ds = 2 EA ∫ (1 + cos 2θ )dθ
0

25 ⎛ π 1 π⎞
= ⎜ + sin ⎟ = 23.915 (9)
EA ⎝ 6 2 3⎠

⎛ 49630.735 81.795 ⎞
−⎜ + ⎟
~
H0 = − ⎝ EI EA ⎠
(10)
⎛ 105.046 23.915 ⎞
⎜ + ⎟
⎝ EI EA ⎠

Consider an arch cross section of 300 × 500 mm ; and I = 3.125 × 10−3 m 4

A = 0.15 m 2 . Then,

− (15881835.2 + 545.3 )
H% 0 = − = −470.25 kN (11)
( 33614.72 + 159.43)

In equation (5), if the second term in the numerator and the second term in the
denominator were neglected then, we get,

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 ⎛ 49630.735 ⎞
−⎜ ⎟
H% 0 = − ⎝ ⎠ = −472.67 kN
EI
(12)
⎛ 105.046 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ EI ⎠
~
Thus calculating H O by neglecting second term in the numerator and
denominator induces an error which is less than 0.5%. Hence for all practical
~
purposes one could simplify the expression for H O as,

s
M 0 y1
∫ ds
~ 0 EI
H0 = − (13)
s
y 21
∫ EI
ds
0

Now we have,
M C + NC d = −1081.29

N C = −470.25

M C = −23.22 kN.m (14)

25
Moment at B , M B = M C + 10 × 25 ×
2
25
= −23.22 + 10 × 25 ×
2
= 3101.78 kN.m (15)
Also H B = N C .
Since the arch and the loading are symmetrical, M A = M B and H A = H B .

Summary
In this lesson, hingeless arches are considered. The analysis of hingeless arch
by the method of least work is given in the beginning. This is followed by the
analysis of hingeless arch by the elastic centre method. The procedure to
compute stresses developed in the hingeless arch due to temperature change is
discussed. A few problems are solved illustrate the various issues involved in the
analysis of hingeless arches.

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