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Arche 3 Theory Of Structures Simulations

A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in arche 3 theory of structures.

Module 1: Introduction to Structural Analysis and Loads - Theory & Concepts - Structural Load Combinations

Classification of structures, design loads per NSCP, load path and tributary areas.

LRFD Load Combinations Simulator (NSCP 2015)

Input Loads (kN)

100 kN
50 kN
20 kN
60 kN
80 kN

Factored Combinations

Combo 1: 1.4D140.0 kN
Combo 2: 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5Lr210.0 kN
Combo 3: 1.2D + 1.6Lr + (1.0L or 0.5W)202.0 kN
Combo 4: 1.2D + 1.0W + 1.0L + 0.5Lr240.0 kN
Combo 5: 1.2D + 1.0E + 1.0L250.0 kN
Combo 6: 0.9D + 1.0W150.0 kN
Combo 7: 0.9D + 1.0E170.0 kN

Governing Load Combination:
Combo 5: 1.2D + 1.0E + 1.0L = 250.0 kN

Module 2: Stability and Determinacy - Theory & Concepts - Truss Determinacy

Conditions for stability, external and internal determinacy, degree of indeterminacy.

Truss Determinacy Calculator

5
4
3

Equation: m + r = 2j

m + r = 5 + 3 = 8

2j = 2(4) = 8

Statically Determinate

Assumes internal arrangement is stable and reactions are non-concurrent/non-parallel.

Module 2: Stability and Determinacy - Theory & Concepts - Arch Stability

Conditions for stability, external and internal determinacy, degree of indeterminacy.

Beam Stability & Support Reactions

Left Support

Roller

Load

Right Support

Roller

Status: Unstable (Insufficient Reactions)

Module 3: Analysis of Statically Determinate Structures - Theory & Concepts - Structural Shear Moment

Reactions of multi-span beams, complex roof trusses, and three-hinged arches.

Beam Shear and Moment Simulator

Visualize internal forces for a simply supported beam (L=10textmL = 10 \\text{ m}).

Free Body Diagram

50 kN25.0 kN25.0 kN

Shear Diagram (V)Max: 25.0 kN

25.0-25

Bending Moment Diagram (M)Max: 125.0 kN·m

125.0

Parameters

Position (x)5 m
Magnitude50 kN

Module 4: Moving Loads and Influence Lines - Theory & Concepts - Truss Influence Line

Concept of moving loads, influence lines for determinate beams, maximum shear and moment.

Truss Influence Line Simulator

5.0 m

Move the load across the bottom chord of the Pratt truss to see how the force in the selected member changes. Negative values indicate compression, and positive values indicate tension.

Module 4: Moving Loads and Influence Lines - Theory & Concepts - Arch Influence Line

Concept of moving loads, influence lines for determinate beams, maximum shear and moment.

Three-Hinged Arch: Influence Line for Thrust

5.0 m
Reactions

Ay = 0.50 kN

By = 0.50 kN

Horizontal Thrust

H = 0.50 kN

Exact Analysis of Indeterminate Structures: Displacement Methods - Theory & Concepts - Moment Distribution Table

The Slope-Deflection Method and the Moment Distribution Method for analyzing indeterminate beams and frames.

Moment Distribution Method Simulator

A (Fixed)
B (Roller)
C (Fixed)

Uniform Load: 20 kN/m on spans AB and BC (L = 10m)

20 kN/m
JointABC
MemberABBABCCB
DF00.50.50
Initial FEMs-166.67166.67-166.67166.67
Cycle 1 (Dist)0.000.00
Cycle 1 (CO)0.000.00
Cycle 2 (Dist)0.000.00
Cycle 2 (CO)0.000.00
Cycle 3 (Dist)0.000.00
Cycle 3 (CO)0.000.00
Cycle 4 (Dist)0.000.00
Cycle 4 (CO)0.000.00
Cycle 5 (Dist)0.000.00
Cycle 5 (CO)0.000.00
Final Moments-166.67166.67-166.67166.67

Note how the unbalanced moment at joint B is distributed (multiplied by DF and reversed in sign), and then half of that distributed moment is carried over to the fixed ends A and C.