Masonry arches resist the external loads by:

Explanation:

Masonry arch:

• The structural efficiency of the masonry arch is attributed to the curvature of the arch.
• Which transfers vertical loads laterally along the arch to the abutments at each end.
• The transfer of vertical forces gives rise to both horizontal and vertical reactions at the abutments.
• The curvature of the arch and the restraint of the arch by the abutments cause a combination of flexural stress and axial compression.
• The arch depth, rise, and configuration can be manipulated to keep stresses primarily compressive.
• Brick masonry is very strong in compression, so brick masonry arches can support the considerable load and transfers this load by horizontal thrust.
• Due to its heavyweight and short span, the load is not transferred by bending or radial shear

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3 Hinge or 2 hinge arch, transfer load by bending moment, radial shear, and horizontal thrust, and hence considered superior to masonry arch.