Continuous Arches and Bents Analyzed by Column Analogy

Basically, the method of column analogy, as introduced2 by Hardy Cross, Hon. M. ASCE, in 1930, is applicable to beams, arches, and bents of not more than three redundant elements. This paper offers an extension of the method to continuous beams, arches, and bents, provided that there are no closed panels. The procedure is built around four broad steps: (a) Select one span (any span) at a time; (b) Consider all parts adjacent to that span as its elastic foundations; (c) Replace the elastic foundations (item (b)) by substitute members with characteristics such that the transformed span is equivalent to a span on elastic foundations; and (d) Determine the elastic properties of substitute members and proceed with the application of the fundamental column analogy method.