Three-Hinged Arch and its Hinges

A three-hinged arch is a type of arch structure that is commonly used in civil engineering. It is a statically determinate structure, which means that the forces acting on the arch can be determined through equations of equilibrium.

The three-hinged arch is so named because it has three hinges, or points of rotation. These hinges are located at the two supports and at the crown of the arch.

Hinge Locations

The correct answer to the question is option C, which states that a three-hinged arch can be hinged anywhere along the arch. This is because the location of the hinges does not affect the stability or the load-bearing capacity of the arch. However, the location of the hinges can affect the distribution of forces within the arch.

Other possible hinge locations for a three-hinged arch include:

- At one quarter span: This location is not necessarily ideal, as it can create uneven forces within the arch.
- At the crown: This location is common for three-hinged arches, and it helps to distribute the forces evenly throughout the structure.

Advantages of a Three-Hinged Arch

Three-hinged arches offer several advantages over other types of arch structures, including:

- They can span longer distances than other types of arches, due to the addition of the third hinge.
- They are more stable than two-hinged arches, as the third hinge helps to distribute forces more evenly.
- They are easier to construct than other types of arches, as they require fewer materials and less complex construction techniques.

In conclusion, a three-hinged arch can be hinged anywhere along the arch, but the most common location is at the crown. The location of the hinges does not affect the stability or load-bearing capacity of the arch, but it can affect the distribution of forces within the structure. Three-hinged arches offer several advantages over other types of arch structures, including longer span distances, greater stability, and easier construction.