Types of Arches and Beams Dr Aman Kumar Singh

Types of Arches and Beams Dr Aman Kumar Singh

1. Types of Arches and Beams
Aman Kumar Singh
DIHRM, New Delhi
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2. Contents
1
Arches
2
Beams
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3. Introduction to Arches
An
and supporting loads from above.
Historically important in masonry and stone construction; very
efficient in compression.
Common in bridges, gateways, vaults and large civic buildings.
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4. Components of an Arch
Keystone
Voussoirs
Springing line
Abutment
Crown
Intrados / Extrados
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5. Classification of Arches
By
By
four-centered)
By
By
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6. Semicircular (Roman) Arch
Perfect semicircle; classical Roman form.
Good for heavy masonry loads and short-to-medium spans.
SpringingSpringingCrown
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7. Segmental Arch
Circular arc smaller than a semicircle.
Lower rise — useful where headroom is limited, often used in
bridges.
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8. Pointed (Gothic) Arch
Formed by two arcs meeting at a point (higher vertical
capacity).
Efficient at directing loads more vertically — used in
cathedrals and tall structures.
Figure
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9. Horseshoe Arch
Curve continues past semicircle (exaggerated opening).
Common in Islamic and Moorish architecture.
Figure
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10. Flat Arch
Slight rise, almost straight — sometimes acts as a masonry
lintel substitute.
Used over small openings where aesthetics or masonry
techniques require an arch look without much height.
Figure
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11. Relieving Arch
Built above a lintel or opening to transfer loads away from the
lintel.
Often concealed within masonry or brickwork.
Figure
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12. Stilted Arch
The center of curvature is placed above the springing line.
Produces extra headroom while maintaining an arch profile.
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13. Two-, Three-, and Four-Centered Arches
Two-centered:
form).
Three-centered:
openings.
Four-centered (Tudor):
of Tudor architecture.
Figure
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14. Materials Used for Arches
Stone
Brick
Concrete
Steel
Timber
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15. Applications of Arches
Bridge arches, vaults, gateways, door and window openings,
arcade colonnades.
Both
historical styles.
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16. Introduction to Beams
A
shear and sometimes torsion.
Beams transfer loads from slabs, walls, and other elements to
supports (columns or walls).
Figure:
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17. Functions of a Beam
Support floor and roof loads.
Transfer loads to columns and foundations.
Maintain structural stability and deflection limits.
Figure
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18. Components and Terminology
Span,,,,
force,.
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19. Classification by Support Conditions
Simply supported Cantilever Continuous Fixed
Overhanging
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20. Simply Supported Beam
Supported at both ends (typically pinned and roller).
Simple bending moment diagram (max moment at mid-span
for uniformly distributed load).
Figure
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21. Cantilever Beam
Fixed at one end and free at the other.
High bending moment near fixed support; used for balconies,
signage, and certain bridges.
Cantilever
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22. Continuous Beam
Extends over three or more supports.
Produces reduced maximum moment compared to multiple
simply supported spans.
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23. Fixed Beam
Ends are rigidly fixed preventing rotation.
Greater stiffness and negative end moments occur — used in
continuous frames.
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24. Overhanging Beam
Portion extends beyond a support.
Useful for balconies and projections where cantilever-like
behavior is required but with intermediate support.
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25. Classification by Material
Timber beams
Steel beams
Reinforced concrete (RCC) beams
and bridges.
Composite beams
optimized behavior.
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26. Common Cross-Sections
Rectangular T-beam I-beam Box beam Circular
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27. Reinforced Concrete Beams (RCC)
Concrete handles compression; steel reinforcement resists
tension.
Design targets: flexural strength, shear strength, serviceability
(deflection, cracking).
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28. Steel Beams
High tensile and compressive strength; preferred for long
spans and high rise structures.
Common shapes: I-sections, H-sections, channels, box
sections.
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29. Deflection and Bending in Beams
Bending momentxx
demands.
Deflectionx
d
2
v
dx
2
=
Mx
EI
.
Serviceability limits ensure occupant comfort and architectural
integrity.
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30. Applications of Beams
Floor and roof systems, bridge girders, support for walls and
cladding, frame members in buildings.
Selection based on span, loading, deflection limits, fire
resistance and cost.
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31. Comparing Arches and Beams
Load path:
resist bending (tension + compression).
Span efficiency:
beams excel with modern materials for long spans.
Architectural language:
historical associations.
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32. Design Considerations & Selection
Material availability, span, height constraints, construction
method, maintenance, cost.
For heritage or conservation work: respect original structural
logic and materials where possible.
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33. Further Reading & Resources
Standard structural engineering textbooks (e.g.,
Analysis,).
Codes and standards: IS, Eurocodes, ACI for material and
design rules.
Historical architecture references for traditional arch
construction.
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44. Acknowledgements & Questions
Thank you!
Questions and discussion.
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