SLAB WITH ARCHES - ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Slab With Arches

Slab with arches is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it.An arch is a pure compression form.It can span a large area by resolving forces into compressive stresses, and thereby elimating tensile stresses.This is sometime denominated "arch action".As the fources in the arch are transferred to its base, the arch pushes outward at its base, denominated "thrust".In order to preserve arch action and prevent collapse of the arch, the thrust must be restrained, either by internal ties or external bracing, such as abutments.

Slab with arches is generally adopted in the construction of bridges.Bridges are subjected to two loads moving loads from the vehicles and wind load.This types of slab are adopted at a place where there is a need for redirecting wind load and if there is a long curve in direction of slab these slabs are adopted.It resists the fall of the bridge due to heavy wind load.These slabs are constructed by stone or brick but in recent time these are built by reinforced concrete or steel.The introduction of these new materials allows arch bridges to be longer with lower spans.

Advantages Of Slab With Arches

• It offers the option to span a greater distance.
• It can be constructed from almost any materials.
• It offers higher levels of resistance compared to other designs.

Disadvantages Of Slab With Arches

• It requires expertise to built.
• It is time consuming to built.
• It required ongoing maintenance.