Parabolic arch

Parabolic arches are popular elements in construction engineering. They can be employed as bridges or beams for example. Normally these bridges are statically indeterminate. The special feature of the parabolic arch is that in the arch only normal forces and bending moments occur, but no shear forces. That is the case when the arch is subjected to a uniform line load and both ends are mounted in fixed supports. This enables arches to be constructed from loosely set stones – a construction technique which has been in existence for many centuries. Loads acting upon the inner of the arch are primarily compressive forces in the direction of the normal force at every point of the arch.

• investigation of a parabolic arch, optionally statically determinate (1 fixed bearing, 1 floating bearing) or indeterminate (2 fixed bearings)
• loading of the arch with a line load by way of 7 evenly distributed loads or by point loads or by suspended roadway with loads
• 2 dial gauges record the deformation of the arch under load
• weights to compensate for the reactions of a fixed bearing
• roadway with 1 set of shackles to be suspended into the arch; shackles in graduated length
• storage system to house the components
• experimental setup in frame