The structural role of in-plane interlocking in jack arches

This paper explores how geometric variations in interlocking jack arches affect their failure modes and sensitivity to material parameters like strength and friction. The study employs and compares computational methods including Finite Element Analysis, graphical statics methods, and Discrete Element Modelling. The results show that interlocking features can reduce or eliminate the occurring of sliding collapse modes under self-weight. Collapse behaviour is independent of the material’s compressive strength. Increased interlocking postpones failure also under support displacement, enhancing stress redistribution. These findings provide guidance for leveraging interlocking designs to improve structural efficiency and inspire innovative architecture. The study highlights the effectiveness of advanced computational methods in capturing both global and localized structural behaviour, offering robust and computationally efficient tools for analysis.