Question
An arch that I am assessing has some blocks missing in the barrel, can I model these?
Answer
Yes, using the following approach:
- Select the blocks that you wish to remove and, using the Property Editor, set their Unit Weight to zero.
- Select the radial contact surfaces between and at either end of the blocks that you wish to remove and, using the Property Editor, set the Enabled option to false.
- Select the tangential contact surfaces above the blocks that you wish to remove and 'glue' these to the upper ring of masonry by setting the Permit sliding option to false.
- Select the tangential contact surfaces above the blocks to either side of those that you have removed and set Permit sliding to false - this prevents the arch being unstable under the action of dead
loading.
Note
When following this course of action, the thrust lines will not display correctly after solving. You should therefore hide them by clicking the 'Show / Hide Thrust' button in the View toolbar (normally 3rd button from the bottom on the left of the screen).