Structural Studies

Structural StudiesBridges
Bridges

Figure 1 The Salginatobel Bridge1, Schiers, Switzerland

Arched Bridges

Contents

1. Form & Forces

2. Loads
3. Abutment Reactions
4. Compressive Stresses
5. Bending in Arches
6. Live Load
7. Bending Moments
8. Total Stress
9. Conclusions

Princeton University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering January 2019
Professor Maria E. Moreyra Garlock
Structural Studies Bridges

1. Form & Forces: The Arch & Axial Compression2

In the previous study, we learned that a cable is a flexible structural element that can only
resist axial tensile forces. As such, a cable changes its form to ensure that only tension
forces are applied. Unlike a cable, an arch is rigid and cannot change its form in accordance
with the applied loads. Additionally, cables are most effective at resisting tensile forces
while arches are most effective at resisting compressive forces. Thus, the most efficient
form of an arch is one in which the arch is entirely in compression.

Recall that for cables, the funicular form is the shape the cable takes to a certain loading
scenario. This is the most efficient form for the cable for that specific loading scenario,
which is completely under tensile forces. We can extend this concept to arches. The ideal
form of an arch can be found by applying a load to a cable, freezing the shape and then
flipping the cable over. The funicular cable form, once in pure tension, can now be imagined
as an arch in pure compression, known as the antifunicular form. Arches of such forms
have no bending moments, i.e. M(x) = 0.

For example, the shape of a cable under point loads, Q applied at each of the two
quarterpoints, takes on the shape shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2
Cable Shape Under Point
Loads at the Quarterpoints
(funicular form)

If the cable is frozen and flipped over it gives the ideal form for an arch, entirely in
compression, under the point loads applied at the quarterpoints.

Figure 3
Ideal Arch Form Under Point
Loads at the Quarterpoints
(antifunicular form)

Likewise, Figure 4 shows the form (a parabola) that a cable takes on under a uniformly
distributed load, q, while Figure 5 shows the ideal form (a parabola) for an arch under a
uniformly distributed load, q.

Figure 4
Cable Shape Under a
Uniformly Distributed Load
(funicular form)

Figure 5
Ideal Arch Form Under a
Uniformly Distributed Load
(antifunicular form)

Arched Bridges — 2
Structural Studies Bridges

2. Loads
For an arch bridge, the deck is supported by an arch (see Figure 6). The vertical members
transfer the loads from the deck to the arch. As you increase the number of vertical
members, the dead load of the bridge deck can be assumed to be uniformly distributed, q
(lb/ft or k/ft). The dead load of the arch itself will be assumed to be uniformly distributed.

Live load from the traffic is also transferred to the arch through the vertical members (cross
walls). However, assuming the live load is uniformly distributed across the entire span is
not conservative and we’ll discuss this in further detail later. Gravity loads are the dominant
load on this structure. Wind loads will not be considered in this study.

Cross Walls
Figure 6
Arched Bridge Terminology

3. Abutment Reactions
Loads are transmitted from the arch to abutments (supports) at the ends of the arch. The
applied gravity loads on the arch act downward, therefore the abutments need to resist
these forces with upward reactions. The vertical reaction, V (lbs or k), at each abutment is:

Equation 1
Vertical Reaction at
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
Abutment Due to 2
Distributed Load

2
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 to the bridge (lbs/ft or k/ft) and L (ft) is
where q is the uniformly distributed load applied
𝐻𝐻 =
the horizontal distance between abutments. 8𝑑𝑑

In addition to the vertical reaction, the loads on the bridge would spread the abutments
away from each other (i.e., flatten the arch) unless
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 there is horizontal
5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft resistance; therefore
𝑉𝑉 = =
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
the abutments need to have reactions that push
2 inwards to
2 keep the abutments in place.
𝑉𝑉 =
The horizontal reaction, H (lbs or k), at each abutment
2 k is:
𝑉𝑉 = 840

Equation 2
Horizontal Reaction at 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
Abutment Due to 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐻𝐻 = 8𝑑𝑑 =
Distritibuted Load 8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k
where d is the rise (depth) of the arch (ft) at 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞midspan.
5.7 k/ftThis
∙ 295equation
ft is derived in the
𝑉𝑉 = =
same manner that we derived the equation for 2 H in the cable
2 of a suspension bridge (See
Structural Studies: Suspension Bridges II). 𝑉𝑉 = 840𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅k
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴

𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2 Arched Bridges — 3

𝐻𝐻 = 𝐻𝐻 =1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = 8𝑑𝑑= ≈ 0.34
8 ∙242.6 ft ksi = 340 psi
Structural Studies Bridges

Figure 7
Loaded Arch
with Reactions

Example 1

Reactions at the Abutments of the Salginatobel Bridge

Determine:
The vertical and horizontal reactions at each abutment of the Salginatobel Bridge
under dead load only (Figure 8).

Given:
The dead load of the bridge3, qdead = 5.7 k/ft
The span, L = 295 ft
The rise of the arch, d = 42.6 ft

Figure 8
Elevation of the
Salginatobel Bridge

𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
2
Solution
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑 2
Step 1: Calculate
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 the vertical reaction at each abutment:
𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
𝑉𝑉 = =
2 2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉==8402 k
=
2
𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
Step 2: Calculate the horizontal reaction at each abutment:
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐻𝐻 = =
8𝑑𝑑 2 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻==1,455
8𝑑𝑑 k
=
8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k
𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴
𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴 Arched Bridges — 4
𝐻𝐻 1,455 k
Structural Studies Bridges

𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
4. Compressive Stresses 𝑉𝑉 =
2
Recall that an axial load is directed along the main axis of the structural element. For cables
the loads are tensile, and for arches the loads are compressive. The resulting stresses we’ll
refer to as compressive stresses, fc . 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑
If an arch takes on an antifunicular form like that shown in Figure 5, and the compressive
forces are in line with the axis of the arch, then the direction of the compressive force is
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 increases
constantly changing. The magnitude of the force 5.7 k/ft ∙as
295
theftslope of the arch increases
𝑉𝑉 = =
and is therefore greatest at the abutments. 2 2
𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
To simplify our analyses, we will consider the compressive force at the midspan, H, as
an approximation for the compressive force in the arch at any location, even though
this is not exactly true2. At the midspan of the2bridge the arch is horizontal
2 and therefore
5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
the compressive force is in the horizontal
𝐻𝐻 = direction.
= This compressive force is equal (in
8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
magnitude and direction) to the horizontal reaction, H at the abutment. We will use this
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455
compressive force to calculate the compressive k
stress, fc in the arch (Figure 9).

Equation 3
Compressive Stress 𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴

𝐻𝐻 1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
Figure 9
Arch Section Under
Compression at midspan
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 =
4𝑑𝑑

𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 = 55 k
Example 2

Stress in the Arch of the Salginatobel Bridge

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝐻𝐻 = =
4𝑑𝑑 4 ⋅ 42.6 ft
Determine:
The stress at the quarterpoints of the𝐻𝐻Salginatobel
= 95.2 𝑘𝑘 Bridge under dead load only.

Given:
𝐻𝐻 95 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =area,=A = 4,2912 in
Each quarterpoint has a cross-sectional ≈ .0.02 ksi = 20 psi
2

𝐴𝐴 4,291 in
Recall that the horizontal reaction, H = 1,455 k and assume4 N ≈ H

𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi

Arched Bridges — 5
 𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
Structural Studies Bridges 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐻𝐻 = =
8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455=k
8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42.6 ft

Solution𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k
𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴
Calculate the𝑁𝑁compressive
𝐻𝐻 stress in the arch at the quarterpoints:
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴
𝐻𝐻 1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
𝐻𝐻 1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
Since fc is a compressive stress,
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi

𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 =
4𝑑𝑑
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑉𝑉 =
4𝑑𝑑 2
5. Bending in=Arches
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 55 k

2
𝑉𝑉 most
Arches are = 𝑄𝑄 =efficient 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 in compression, which occurs only for
55 k when the arch is entirely
𝐻𝐻 =
antifunicular forms.
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 For
55 kexample, 8𝑑𝑑 arch form, a compression-only response
∙ 295 ft for a parabolic
𝐻𝐻 = =
only occurs for4𝑑𝑑
uniform
4 loading.
⋅ 42.6 ft Such an arch is unable to change its form to accommodate
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 other
loading conditions 55 k than
∙ 295aftuniform load; therefore, the arch resists these different
𝐻𝐻 = 95.2=𝑘𝑘 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
load conditions4𝑑𝑑 4 ⋅a42.6
through ft type of𝑉𝑉structural
second = = behavior, bending.
2 2
𝐻𝐻 = 95.2 𝑘𝑘
The Salginatobel Bridge was designed as a three-hinged arch which means that the arch is
𝐻𝐻 95 k 𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
free to rotate
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =at the
= supports2 and at the
≈ 0.02 ksicrown and therefore no moments develop at these
= 20 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in
locations. In contrast, the other points along the arch experience bending moments under
𝐻𝐻 95 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = =
certain loadings. ≈ 0.02 ksi = 20 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
psi2 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
𝐻𝐻 = =
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi 8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi
6. Live Load
𝑁𝑁 is
The location of the live traffic loads on a bridge 𝐻𝐻 not constant (e.g., the automobile is
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴to this change, an arch cannot. When
moving). While a cable can alter its form to adapt
designing a bridge we must position the live load so that its effect on the bridge is the
greatest. Placing a concentrated live load, Q (lbs or k) at each quarterpoint (Figure 10)
results in the maximum bending. The vertical 𝐻𝐻 1,455 k or k) at each abutment due to
V (lbs
𝑓𝑓 = reaction,
=
𝑐𝑐 ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
this loading is simply Q. 𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2

The horizontal reaction, H (lbs or k) at each abutment due to this loading for a three-hinged
arch is4: 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi

Equation 4 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Horizontal Reaction at 𝐻𝐻 =
abutment due to point loads
4𝑑𝑑
at quarterpoints

𝑉𝑉 =bridge,
where L (ft) is the length of the span of the 𝑄𝑄 = 55 k the rise of the arch (ft) at midspan,
d is
and Q is still the live load at the quarterpoints (lbs or k).

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝐻𝐻 = =
4𝑑𝑑 4 ⋅ 42.6 ft Arched Bridges — 6
Structural Studies Bridges 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝑉𝑉 =
𝐻𝐻 =3 2 2
Example
8𝑑𝑑
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
𝑉𝑉 =
𝐻𝐻
2
8𝑑𝑑
Compressive Stress in the Arch of the Salginatobel Bridge Under Live Load
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝐻𝐻 =
𝑉𝑉 = 8𝑑𝑑2=
Determine:
2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 5.7 k/ft2∙ 295 ft
𝑉𝑉
𝐻𝐻 =
The vertical = and = horizontal reactions at each abutment of the Salginatobel Bridge
𝑉𝑉 = 840 2
8𝑑𝑑 k 2
under concentrated live loads placed at the quarterpoints. Also, find the compressive
stress at𝑉𝑉 the
= 840
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 k5.7 k/ft ∙of295 theftSalginatobel Bridge under live load only (Figure 9).
𝑉𝑉 = quarterpoint
=
2 2
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2= 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295 ft)2
Given: 𝐻𝐻
𝑉𝑉 = 840 2 = k 2
8𝑑𝑑2 5.7 k/ft
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 8 ∙ 542.6 ft 2
∙, Q(295
The live𝐻𝐻load
= on the
= bridge = 55ft)k
𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
8𝑑𝑑295
𝐻𝐻 =
The span, L= 1,455 kft 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
The rise𝐻𝐻of=the𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿arch,
1,455
2 d=
k5.7 42.6
k/ft ft ft)2
∙ (295
𝐻𝐻 = =
The quarter point8𝑑𝑑2 area,
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 8A =
5.7 k/ft
4,291
∙ 42.6
∙ (295
in22
ft ft)
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁
= ≅= 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓
𝐻𝐻𝑐𝑐 1,455
8𝑑𝑑 𝐴𝐴k 8 ∙ 42.6 ft
𝐴𝐴
𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴k
𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻1,455 k
Figure 10
𝑓𝑓 = 𝐻𝐻 =
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = ≅ ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
Elevation of the 𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴 4,291
𝐴𝐴
𝐻𝐻
𝑁𝑁 𝐴𝐴1,455in
𝐻𝐻 k2
Salginatobel Bridge 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≅ ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291
𝐴𝐴 in2
𝐻𝐻 1,455 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = −340
= psi ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴
𝐻𝐻 4,291
1,455 in2
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≈ 0.34 ksi = 340 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
Solution
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −340 psi
4𝑑𝑑
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 =
Step 1: Calculate−340the
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = 4𝑑𝑑 psivertical reaction at each abutment:

𝑉𝑉 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 =
= 𝑄𝑄 = 55 k
4𝑑𝑑
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 = 55 k
𝐻𝐻 =
Step 2: Calculate
4𝑑𝑑 the horizontal reaction at each abutment:
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝐻𝐻
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 ==55 k
4𝑑𝑑 55
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 4 k⋅ 42.6
∙ 295ftft
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑄𝑄 ==55 k
𝑉𝑉 = 4𝑑𝑑 𝑘𝑘 4 ⋅ 42.6 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 95.2
𝐻𝐻 = 95.2
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑘𝑘55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝐻𝐻 = =
4𝑑𝑑 55
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 4 k⋅ 42.6
∙ 295ftft
Step 3: 𝐻𝐻 = 𝐻𝐻 = the
Calculate 95 compressive
k stress in the arch at the quarterpoints assuming
𝑓𝑓
𝐻𝐻𝑐𝑐 = 95.2
4𝑑𝑑= 𝑘𝑘 4 ⋅ 42.6 ≈ 0.02 ksi = 20 psi
2 ft
N ≈ H: 𝐴𝐴
𝐻𝐻 4,291
95 k in
𝑓𝑓
𝐻𝐻𝑐𝑐 = = 𝑘𝑘
= 95.2 ≈ 0.02 ksi = 20 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
𝐻𝐻 95 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = −20= psi ≈ 0.02 ksi = 20 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291
𝐻𝐻 in2
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi95 k
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = = ≈ 0.02 ksi = 20 psi
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
Since fc is a compressive stress,
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = −20 psi

Arched Bridges — 7
Structural Studies Bridges

7. Bending Moments
A uniformly distributed load does not cause bending in a parabolic arch (it only produces
axial forces), but the concentrated live loads placed at the quarterpoints do. We quantify
the bending behavior with bending moments. The bending moment at any location along
the arch can be determined and plotted in a bending moment diagram. This bending
moment diagram behavior varies with different loading conditions.

In an arch, vertical loads at the quarterpoints and the horizontal reaction acting at the
abutments are the two forces that create bending moments. To determine the total
bending moments along the arch, we separate each of these loadings as follows:

Step 1 – Moment due to Vertical Loads: Draw the bending moment diagram due to the
vertical loads. For this loading condition, the moment is at a maximum between the
quarterpoints with a value of 7:

Equation 5
Maximum Bending Moment 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
due to Vertical Loads and 𝑀𝑀 =
4
Reactions

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑀𝑀 = moment at each of the hinged supports
The bending 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55atk the abutments
∙ 295 ft is zero. Therefore
4 𝑀𝑀 = = = 4,056 k-ft
the maximum bending moment for the Salginatobel
4 Bridge4 due to the vertical loads is:

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝑀𝑀 = = = 4,056 k-ft 55 k ∙ 295 ft
4 4 𝑀𝑀 =
4
𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft
55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝑀𝑀 =
4
𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft 𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻

Figure 11 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑀𝑀 =
Bending Moment Diagram
𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 4 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
Due to Vertical Loads and 𝑀𝑀 = −
Reactions 4

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑀𝑀 = = = 4,056 k-ft
𝑀𝑀 = − 𝑀𝑀 = 4−95.2 k ∙ 42.6
4 ft = −4,056 k-ft
4

55 k ∙ 295 ft
3Draw
∙ 95.2
Step 2 – 𝑀𝑀
Moment due
= −95.2 k ∙to42.6
Horizontal Reactions:
ft = −4,056
𝑀𝑀k-ft
= thek bending
∙ 42.6 ft moment diagram due
𝑀𝑀 = − 4 = −3,042 k-ft
4 bending moment due to the
to the horizontal reactions at the abutments. The maximum
horizontal reactions is: 𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft
3 ∙ 95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft
𝑀𝑀 = − = −3,042 k-ft
𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏
Equation 6 4
Bending Moment due to 𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
Horizontal Reactions

𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏 𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = − 𝐻𝐻
𝑁𝑁 = 4
cos(𝛼𝛼)
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 −
4
𝐻𝐻 𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft = −4,056 Arched
k-ft Bridges — 8
𝑁𝑁 =
cos(𝛼𝛼) 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
 𝑀𝑀 = = = 4,056 k-ft
4 4
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 ft 55 k ∙ 295 ft
Structural Studies Bridges 𝑀𝑀 = = = 4,056 k-ft
𝑀𝑀 =
4 4 4
55 k ∙ 295 ft 𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft
𝑀𝑀 =
4
55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝑀𝑀 =
and occurs at 4,056
the center
𝑀𝑀 = 4k-ft of the arch. At each quarterpoint the bending moment due to the
horizontal reactions is8: 𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft

𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑀𝑀 = −
4
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = −
4
Therefore 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = − Salginatobel the maximum
for the moment
𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 is: ft = −4,056 k-ft
k ∙ 42.6
4
𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft = −4,056 k-ft
3 ∙ 95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft
𝑀𝑀 =
𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft = −4,056 −
k-ft = −3,042 k-ft
and the bending moment at each quarterpoint is: 4
3 ∙ 95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft
𝑀𝑀 = − = −3,042 k-ft
4
3 ∙ 95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft 𝑓𝑓total = k-ft
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏
𝑀𝑀 = − = −3,042
4
𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏 𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑

𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁 =
8𝑑𝑑 cos(𝛼𝛼)
Figure 12 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 = 𝐻𝐻 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Bending Moment Diagram 𝑁𝑁 = 8𝑑𝑑 Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 −
Due to Horizontal Reactions cos(𝛼𝛼) 4
𝐻𝐻
𝑁𝑁 = 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Σ𝑀𝑀 =cos(𝛼𝛼)
0 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝐻𝐻 =
4𝑑𝑑
4
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Σ𝑀𝑀 =𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
0 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝐿𝐿
𝐻𝐻 = 4 Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = 𝑀𝑀 − 𝑄𝑄
4𝑑𝑑 4
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 = 𝐿𝐿 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Σ𝑀𝑀 =4𝑑𝑑0 = 𝑀𝑀 − 𝑄𝑄 𝑀𝑀 =
Note that the bending 4moments from the vertical 4 loads are positive, and those from the
𝐿𝐿
horizontal
Σ𝑀𝑀loads0 = are
=𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑀𝑀 −negative.
𝑄𝑄 In addition, the negative3moments are the same parabolic
𝑀𝑀 = 4 Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = −𝑀𝑀 − 𝐻𝐻 ( 𝑑𝑑)
shape as the arch.
4 4
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑀𝑀 = 3 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
Σ𝑀𝑀 = 40 = −𝑀𝑀plots
− 𝐻𝐻 ( together
𝑑𝑑) 𝑀𝑀 = −
Step 3: Add the two 4 to get the total
4 bending moment along the arch.
3
Σ𝑀𝑀 = 03𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
= −𝑀𝑀 − 𝐻𝐻 ( 𝑑𝑑)
𝑀𝑀 = − 4
4
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = −
4

Figure 13
Total Bending Moment
Diagram

Arched Bridges — 9
Structural Studies Bridges 55 k ∙ 295 ft
𝑀𝑀 =
4
𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 k-ft

From the bending moment diagram you can see that the bending moment at locations
𝑀𝑀 =
where there are hinges (the supports and −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
at the crown) is equal to 0 k-ft. At the quarterpoints
the bending moment is greatest and is equal to 1,014 k-ft for the Salginatobel. One can see
how the actual shape of the arch follows this bending moment diagram for one of the most
critical live load cases. 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = −
4

8. Total Stress 𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k ∙ 42.6 ft = −4,056 k-ft

In addition to compressive stress, fc , an arch would also experience bending stresses, fb.
3 the
The sum of the stresses applied to an object is ∙ 95.2 k stress,
total ftotal . The equation for total
∙ 42.6 ft
𝑀𝑀 = − = −3,042 k-ft
stress is: 4

Equation 8
Total Stress 𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏

2
Bending stresses are covered in Structural𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
𝐻𝐻 = Studies: Beam Bridges
8𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻
𝑁𝑁 =
cos(𝛼𝛼)

9. Conclusions Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 −

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
4
Just like for suspension bridges, H = qL2/8d
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 is an important equation in determining the
𝐻𝐻 =
form for an arch bridge. Additionally, bending
4𝑑𝑑 influences the form. The bending moment in
a three-hinged arch is largest at the quarterpoints and
𝐿𝐿 zero at the supports and crown. In
Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = 𝑀𝑀 − 𝑄𝑄
other words, an efficient form considers the shape of4 the bending moment diagram.
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑀𝑀 =
4
3
Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 = −𝑀𝑀 − 𝐻𝐻 ( 𝑑𝑑)
4
3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑀𝑀 = −
4

Arched Bridges — 10
Structural Studies Bridges

𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉 =
2
w Summary of Terms

Term Description Unit

𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
A total cross-sectional area in2 𝐻𝐻 =
8𝑑𝑑
d rise of the arch ft
fb bending stress psi or ksi
fc compressive stress psi or ksi 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 5.7 k/ft ∙ 29
𝑉𝑉 = =
ftotal total stress psi or ksi 2 2
H horizontal reaction at abutment lbs or k 𝑉𝑉 = 840 k
L main span length ft
M moment lbs-ft or k-ft
q distributed load lbs-ft or k-ft 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙
𝐻𝐻𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞= =
Q concentrated load lbs or k 8𝑑𝑑 8 ∙ 42
𝑉𝑉 =
T tensile force lbs or k 𝐻𝐻2= 1,455 k
V vertical reaction at tower lbs or k

𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝐻𝐻 =
𝑀𝑀 = 𝑓𝑓8𝑑𝑑 𝑁𝑁 𝐻𝐻
4𝑐𝑐 = 𝐴𝐴 ≅ 𝐴𝐴
avv
Summary of Equations
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 55
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 5.7 k/ft ∙ 295 ft
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 k ∙ 295 ftk
𝑀𝑀𝑉𝑉==𝑓𝑓
𝑉𝑉2 ==𝐻𝐻𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞= 1,455
= =4
4𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴 4 2 2≈
Vertical Reaction at Abutment Due to Uniform Load 𝑉𝑉 = 2 4,291 in
𝑉𝑉 = 840 k2

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀=𝑀𝑀 =55
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐4=
k𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
∙𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
295
−340
2 ft
psi
Horizontal Reaction at Abutment Due to Uniform Load 𝐻𝐻= =2 4 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 2
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿 4 8𝑑𝑑 5.7 k/ft ∙ (295
𝐻𝐻 = 𝐻𝐻 ==8𝑑𝑑
𝑀𝑀 = 4,056 8𝑑𝑑 k-ft 8 ∙ 42.6 ft

Horizontal Reaction at Abutment due to Point Load

𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄55
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k k ∙k295 ft
𝑀𝑀 =𝐻𝐻 =𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 55
= ∙ 295
5.7 k/ft ∙ 29ft
=
𝑀𝑀𝑉𝑉=4= 4𝑑𝑑 =
𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 = 5.7 4 k/ft ∙ 2
4 4 2
𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑉𝑉 = 2 =
2 2
𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁= 840 𝐻𝐻 k
Compressive Stress 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =𝑉𝑉55
𝑉𝑉== ≅k𝑄𝑄840
∙= 295 k ftk
55
𝑀𝑀 = 𝐴𝐴 55 𝐴𝐴k ∙ 295 ft
𝑀𝑀 =3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 4
𝑀𝑀 = − 4
4 𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2 5.7 k/ft ∙
Maximum Bending Moment due to Vertical Loads and Reaction 𝑀𝑀 =𝐻𝐻4,056 =4,056𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄k-ft
2=
𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀
=𝐻𝐻 = 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿
1,455 k-ft
555.7k8 ∙ 295
k/ft ∙
on a 2-point Loaded Arch 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻== = 8𝑑𝑑 4 == k ≈ ∙ 42
0.3
4𝑑𝑑
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in 8𝑑𝑑 4 2⋅ 42.6
8 ∙ 4f
𝐻𝐻 = 1,455 k
𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k ∙ 42.6𝑘𝑘 k ft = −4
Bending Moment at midspan due to Horizontal Reactions
𝑀𝑀 =𝐻𝐻−𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻==95.2 1,455
𝑀𝑀 = −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =𝑀𝑀 −340 = psi =
𝑁𝑁4 𝐻𝐻 4
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐3=∙ 𝐻𝐻 95.2
𝑁𝑁 ≅ k𝐻𝐻95 ∙ 42.6
k ft
𝑀𝑀 = −𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐴𝐴 =≅𝐴𝐴 ≈=
Bending Moment at the Quaterpoints due to Horiz. Reactions 𝑀𝑀 = 𝑐𝑐−𝑐𝑐 =𝐴𝐴 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 4 in2
𝑀𝑀 = −4𝐴𝐴 4,291 𝐴𝐴
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 554 k ∙ 295 ft
𝐻𝐻 =𝑀𝑀 =
4𝑑𝑑 𝐻𝐻 4
1,455 k
Total Stress 𝑓𝑓total =𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐=+ 𝐻𝐻 𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏= 1,455 k2 ≈
𝑀𝑀 =𝑓𝑓𝑀𝑀 = −20
𝑐𝑐−95.2
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 ==𝐴𝐴 4,056 k=psi
∙ 42.6
4,291 ft
in= −
𝑀𝑀 = −95.2 k k-ft
∙ 42.6 ft = ≈
𝐴𝐴 4,291 in2
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 = 55 k
𝑞𝑞𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 = 3 −340
∙ 95.2psi
k ∙ 42.6 ft
8𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 =
= −𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
3 ∙ 95.2 k ∙ 42.6
𝑀𝑀 = − 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 −
= −340 4psi
𝑀𝑀 =
𝑁𝑁 =
𝐻𝐻𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 55 k ∙ 295 4 ft
𝐻𝐻 cos(𝛼𝛼)
= =
4𝑑𝑑 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 4 ⋅ 42.6 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 3𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
Σ𝑀𝑀
Arched ==0𝑀𝑀
𝑓𝑓𝐻𝐻total =
=
95.2 =
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
Bridges −𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 4𝑑𝑑
+−
𝑘𝑘 𝑓𝑓4—
𝑏𝑏4 11
𝐻𝐻 =
𝑓𝑓total = 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 + 𝑓𝑓
4𝑑𝑑 𝑏𝑏
Structural Studies Bridges

w Visual Glossary

Cross Walls

Arched Bridges — 12
Structural Studies Bridges

Notes
1 Photo credit: Maria Garlock

2 Parts of this Structural Study are based upon Structures and the Urban Environment, Structural Studies, by David
P, Billington and Robert Mark, 1983, with contributions from Tracy Huynh

3 “Official Documents for the Arch Analysis,” in Background Papers for the Second National Conference on Civil
Engineering: History, Heritage, and the Humanities II, October 4, 5, 6, 1972, Princeton University, Edited by John F. Abel,
Conference Co-directors: David P. Billington and Robert Mark, Conference sponsored by the National Endowment for
the Humanities.

4 The actual compression force, N (lbs or k) at any location along the arch can be found with the following equation:
N = H /cos α , where α is the angle between the main axis of the arch and the horizontal. H and the resulting
compressive stress, fc , are adequate approximations for the arch.

5 “Official Documents for the Arch Analysis,” in Background Papers for the Second National Conference on Civil
Engineering: History, Heritage, and the Humanities II.

6 To calculate the horizontal force induced by the point loads Q at the quarter spans, a free-body diagram is drawn
with a cut at midspan. Summing the moments about the left support:

7 To calculate the moment at the quarter span induced by the vertical point loads at quarter span only (neglecting
the horizontal reaction), a free-body diagram is drawn with a cut at quarter span. Summing the moments about the
left support:

8 To calculate the moment at the quarter span induced by the horizontal reaction only (neglecting the vertical loads),
a free-body diagram is drawn with a cut at quarter span. Summing the moments about the left support:

(negative since the moment is clockwise as indicated in note 7)

Arched Bridges — 13