Analysis of Arch-Frame Structure with Tie Element: A solved Example

An arch is supported on frame with different levels of supports as shown above. The frame is supported on a hinge at support A and a roller at support C. A tie beam is used to connect node B and support C. Plot the bending moment, shear force, and axial force diagram die to the externally applied load.

15Cy –  (H × 5) – (10 × 15²)/2 = 0
15(158.333) – 5H – (10 × 15²)/2 = 0
– 5H + 1250 = 0
H = 250 kN

The ordinate of the arch at any given horizontal length section is given by;

y = [4y_c (Lx – x²)] / L²

Where y_c is the height of the crown of the arch
y = [(4 × 5) × (30x – x²)]/30² = (2/3)x – (x²/45)

dy/dx = y’ = 2/3 – 2x/45

At x = 0; y = 0
y’ = 2/3 – 0/8 = 0.667
sin⁡θ = y’/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0.667²) = 0.5546
cos⁡θ = 1/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0.667²) = 0.8319

At x = 7.5m;
y = (2/3)x – (x²/45) = (0.667 × 7.5) – (7.5²/45) = 3.75m
y’ = 2/3 – 2(7.5)/45 = 0.333
sin⁡θ = y’/√(1 + y’²) = 0.333/√(1 + 0.333²) = 0.43159
cos⁡θ = 1/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0.333²) = 0.9487

At x = 15 m;
y = (2/3)x – (x²/45) = (0.667 × 15) – (15²/45) = 5.00m
y’ = 2/3 – 2(15)/45 = 0
sin⁡θ = y’/√(1 + y’²) = 0/√(1 + 0²) = 0
cos⁡θ = 1/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0²) = 1.0

At x = 22.5m;
y = (2/3)x – (x²/45) = (0.667 × 22.5) – (22.5²/45) = 3.75m
y’ = 2/3 – 2(22.5)/45 = -0.333
sin⁡θ = y’/√(1 + y’²) = -0.333/√(1 + 0.333²) = -0.43159
cos⁡θ = 1/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0.333²) = 0.9487

At x = 30m; y = 0
y’ = 2/3 – 2(30)/45 = -0.667
sin⁡θ = y’/√(1 + y’²) = -0.667/√(1 + 0.667²) = -0.5546
cos⁡θ = 1/√(1 + y’²) = 1/√(1 + 0.667²) = 0.8319

Internal Stresses in the Arch Structure
Bending Moment
M_A = 0
M_B^B = (25 × 10)  = 250 kN.m
M_B^UP = (25 × 10)  = 250 kN.m
M₁ = (141.667 × 7.5) + (25 × 13.75) – (25 × 3.75) – (10 × 7.5²)/2 – (250 × 3.75) = 93.7525 kN.m
M_D = (141.667 × 15) + (25 × 15) – (25 × 5) – (10 × 15²)/2 – (250 × 5) = 0

Coming from the right
M₂ = (158.333 × 3.75) – (250 × 5) – (10 × 12²)/2 = -31.252 kN.m
M_C = 0

Shear force

Section A – B (Column)
Q_A – Ax = 0
Q_A –  25 = 0
Q_A – Q_B^B  = 25  kN

Q_i = ∑V cos⁡θ – ∑H sin⁡θ (for arch section)

Note that the horizontal forces of 25 kN will eliminate each other;

Q_B^UP =  (141.667 × 0.8319) – (250 × 0.5546) = -20.797 kN
Q₁^R = Q₁^L = [141.667  – (10 × 7.5)] × 0.9487  – (250 × 0.43159) = -44.651 kN
Q_D =  [141.667 – (10 × 15)] × 1.0 – (250 × 0) = -8.333 kN
Q₂^R = Q₂^L =  [141.667 – (10 × 22.5)] × 0.9487 – (250 × –0.43159) = 28.839 kN
Q_C = [141.667 – (10 × 30)] × 0.8319 – (250 × -0.5546) = 6.932 kN

Axial force
Member AB = 141.667 kN (compression)
Member BC = 250 kN (Tension)

For the arch section;
N_i = -∑V sin⁡θ – ∑H cos⁡θ
N_B^UP = -(141.667 × 0.5546) – (250 × 0.8319) = -286.543 KN (Compression)
N₁^L = -[141.667 – (10 × 7.5)] × 0.43159 – (250 × 0.9487) = -265.848 KN
N_D = -[141.667 – (10 × 15)] × 0 – (250 × 1) = -250 KN (Compression)
N₂^L = N₃^R = -[141.667 – (10 × 22.5)] × -0.43159 – (250 × 0.9487) = -273.141 KN
N_C = -[141.667 – (10 × 30)] × -0.5546 – (250 × 0.8319) = -295.786 KN

Internal Stresses Diagram

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