Linear static behavior of curved beams coupled with strings representing also fiber-reinforced masonry arches

A linear elastic analytical model of curved beam with constant curvature coupled with curved strings has been developed. To model the connections between the strings and the beam, a continuous distribution of tangential and orthogonal linear elastic springs have been introduced. To evaluate the behavior of the system, a numerical integration of the field equations has been performed. A parametric analysis, capable of pointing out the influence on the behavior of the system of both the stiffness of the tangential connection between strings and beam and of the geometrical characteristic of the beam, has been performed. The results of the proposed model have been compared with those obtained from a finite element model. They show that the strings, in some cases, do not work as expected.