Arch Analysis – How to Analyse Determinate and Indeterminate Arches
Arches are one of the most efficient and elegant structural forms. Their efficiency has seen them selected throughout history as the go-to form for spanning large distances. In this tutorial, we’ll explore the different methods for analysing both determinate 3-hinge arches and indeterminate 2-hinge and fixed arches. Through worked examples, we’ll develop the various methods, with particular attention paid to how Virtual Work can help us unlock indeterminate arches. After completing this tutorial, you’ll have a better appreciation for the structural behaviour of arches, and you’ll be confident in analysing arch structures by hand!
