what is stronger,a triangle or an arch?

Question

in engineering what is the strongest structure a triangle or an arch?

Answer 1

An arch, a triangle can buckle.

Answer 2

Firstly you would have to define the words strongest and structure to be able to say which is best. The triangle could be considered an kind of arch if the load was placed in the same way as an arch but an arch could not withstand torsional forces. An arch is an open structure with the ground normally providing the base whereas the triangle is a closed structure. Both depend on the material used for their strength so a stone triangle might not be very strong but a stone arch is. An arch on muddy ground would collapse without any real load placed on it An arch can't take large side loading but a triangle is almost equally strong in all directions. Basically I would want an arch bridge but trianglar tubing

Answer 3

I agree an arch or parabola is far better under compression, which is why cathedrals, dams, monuments, etc are all built as an arch. Of course, if your building materials can withstand the forces in the shape of a triangle you have the latitude to choose - however, the arch will always withstand greater compressive forces.

It's probably true that triangles are better under tensile loads, since arches would suck. However, I think triangles would suck too. Far better to reengineer the problem into a compressive load, then use the arch. Except in decorative uses or when the materials themselves can withstand the forces, I cannot think of a single instance where a triangle is preferable over an arch.

Answer 4

i,ve worked in engineering fabrication and welding for some 15 years and i always thought it was common knowledge that triangles are the strongest of all shapes !! of course materials would be the deciding factor i,e a brick arch would obviously be stronger than a paper triangle but i would have to say that a steel triangle with correct proportions would be far greater in strength to a steel arch with similar proportions !!

Answer 5

Singularly an arch is stronger than a triangle. Triangular construction in a given material only becomes stronger when latticed together like in a pyramid or a beam like a tower crane lateral. Latticed together, triangles are able to spread the forces amongst their collective sides, rather like a single arch spreads its load across the curve.

Answer 6

We find arches in many things such as monuments, bridge designs, windows, rooftops, and many different varieties of doorways. This makes the arch a very versatile architectural form.

The triangle has structural points of weakness (such as the center point of any of the three joining planes). The arch contains no points of structural weakness. Interlocking pieces press very close together because the stress of the arch is very evenly distributed along the curve of the arch. Arches of many different sizes can support a small amount of weight, or a tremendous amount of weight, such as the ancient Roman Coliseum and aqueducts.

Answer 7

Triangle

Answer 8

An Arch

Answer 9

Stress is evenly distributed throughout the curve of the arch. It's stronger than the triangle.

Answer 10

An Arch - Keystone principle - Even distribution of the load through the arch into the ground.