Uneven settlement of abutments
Sliding of voussoirs
Crushing of the material
All the above
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
An arch may fail due to:
- Uneven settlement of abutments: If the abutments of an arch settle unevenly, the arch will be subjected to bending stresses that it may not be able to withstand. This can cause the arch to crack or collapse.
- Sliding of voussoirs: The voussoirs (the wedge-shaped stones that make up an arch) must fit together tightly so that they can transfer the weight of the structure above them to the abutments. If the voussoirs are not properly aligned or if they are not held in place by mortar, they may slide out of position, causing the arch to collapse.
- Crushing of the material: The material used to construct an arch must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the structure above it. If the material is not strong enough, it may crush under the load, causing the arch to collapse.
In conclusion, an arch may fail due to a number of factors, including uneven settlement of abutments, sliding of voussoirs, and crushing of the material.