Stability assessment of uniform and non-uniform internally pinned shallow arches

Abstract The article addresses the nonlinear stability problem of internally hinged arches. Formulation for uniform and non-uniform arches are both given. In latter case, the stiffness of the cross-section at the sides of the internal pin can be different through the geometry and material, causing asymmetry. An analytical model is derived as per the Euler–Bernoulli hypothesis with von Kármán nonlinearity accounted. For uniform arches, generally higher internal forces rise in the arch-half, which is closer to the pinned end. The slenderness ratio affects lower arch angles more drastically. With non-uniformity introduced, a less stiff left side affects negatively the buckling load. Extreme cases are also addressed.