Fixed‐End Restraint Effect on Steel Arch Strength

Abstract

Fixed‐end restraint effect on the load carrying capacity of steel arches loaded into the inelastic and the finite deformation range is studied by an accurate nonlinear finite element approach. This approach takes into consideration the two important factors on material nonlinear phenomenon, namely, spread of yielding zones in the cross section and along the longitudinal axis of the arch and unloading caused by strain reversal. Special characteristics of the interaction between bending moment and axial thrust, the changes in deflectional mode, the progress of yielding and unloading zones with load level, and local failure at the springing are thoroughly examined. The load‐deflection behavior until the stability limit load is reached, has been analyzed by linear theory, the second order elastic theory, and an accurate nonlinear theory.