Three-Pinned Arch (Next Generation Structures)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect the horizontal reaction forces in a three pinned arch.

Students apply loads to hangers suspended from the arch, held between two supports. One support allows rotational movement only, acting as a pinned support. The other support allows translational movement, acting as a roller support. A load cell prevents the translation, while measuring the horizontal reaction due to the load. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. A third set of bearings at the crown of the arch forms a third pinned joint. Students use textbook equations to predict the reaction forces
due to the load, comparing them with measured results, and learn how to create the influence line and bending moment diagrams. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

This product includes additional masses so students may apply a uniformly distributed load (UDL) across the span of the arch for comparison of results with a single point load.

The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition (VDAS® Onboard).

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.