Behaviour of R/C Arch Structure Subjected to External Loading

In this paper, the structural behaviour of a pin supported R/C arch was investigated by use of the finite element method considering combined geometric and material nonlinearities. Also, the experimental analyses were conducted based on the numerical results. The cylindrical deep and shallow arches were adopted as the model. The arches were pin supported at both ends and were subjected to a concentrate load, a vertical distributed and a radial distributed loadings. The cross section of arch was rectangular and the reinforcements were placed on both tensile and compressive zone with same reinforcing ratio. Then, the load bearing characteristics were investigated from the load-deflection behaviour and the crack propagations. In experimental analysis, the arch specimen was made by use of the steel mold to avoid the geometric imperfection.