Limit State Analysis of Arch Segments

A simple, yet useful limit state analysis is performed on a statically determinate arch segment. A failure mode is assumed and relationships governing the kinematic failure mechanism are discovered using statics. The fracture is observed to occur at the midpoint and a minimum thickness to length ratio is found to be 0.150 to insure against brittle failure. The least desirable position of the arch segment is at 52° with respect to the horizontal.