Deformation and ultimate strength of R/C arch under asymmetric load

In this paper, the structural behavior of 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 deep and shallow arches were adopted as the model. The arches were pin supported at both ends and were subjected to asymmetric concentrate distributed loads in radial or vertical direction. The cross section of arch was rectangular and the reinforcements were placed on both tensile and compressive zone with same reinforcing ratio. Then, the deformation and the load bearing characteristics were investigated from the load-deflection behavior and the crack propagation patterns. In experimental analysis, the arch specimen was made by use of the steel mould to avoid the geometric initial imperfection. Two kinds of arches with different rise-span ratios were examined to compare these structural characteristics. From both numerical and experimental analyses, the load bearing behavior and the ultimate strength of R/C arches were obtained and the good agreement between numerical and experimental results was represented.