Unlike a flat beam that bends under weight, an arch redirects loads so the entire structure is being squeezed rather than bent. This simple principle has kept arch bridges standing for thousands of years and still drives modern bridge engineering today. Stone, brick and concrete are very strong in compression but. Based on the bending-active concept, this paper proposes the design process, specific component details, and construction procedures of a pedestrian arch bridge. Initially, the development of bending-active structures is briefly reviewed, and a novel self- forming approach is introduced that the. After starting this new series of posts with the cantilever and the simply supported beam, we continue our journey with the static system of an arch structure. The actual resolution of forces will depend upon the bridge' design. If no horizontal thrusting forces are generated, this becomes an arch-shaped truss which is essentially a bent beam – see moon bridge for an. Simply select the picture which most resembles the arch configuration and loading condition you are interested in for a detailed summary of all the structural properties. Equations for Resultant Forces, Shear Forces and Bending Moments can be found for each arch case shown. In structural engineering, a hinge is essentially a "cut in the structure".