Optimum design of parabolic and circular arches with varying cross section

Uzman U., Daloglu A., Saka M.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS, vol.8, no.5, pp.465-476, 1999 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 8 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 1999
  • Doi Number: 10.12989/sem.1999.8.5.465
  • Journal Name: STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.465-476
  • Keywords: optimization of arches, arch bridges, curved beams, circular arch element, parabolic arch element, OPTIMIZATION
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A structural optimization process is presented for arches with varying cross-section. The optimality criteria method is used to develop a recursive relationship for the design variables considering displacement, stresses and minimum depth constraints. The depth at the crown and at the support are taken as design variables first. Then the approach is extended by taking the depth values of each joint as design variable. The curved beam element of constant cross section is used to model the parabolic and circular arches with varying cross section. A number of design examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the method.