Architects in Iran have been using arches in their buildings for thousands of years. A study analyzed different types of Iranian arches to see how they hold up under weight, surcharge, and earthquakes. The researchers used computer simulations to test the arches' stability. They found that parabolic-shaped arches are the strongest against gravity and lateral loads, while onion-shaped arches are not very resistant. In terms of gravity loads, the most stable arches are semi-elliptical, parabolic-shaped, basket-handle, circular, and four-centered pointed. For earthquakes, the most stable arches are parabolic-shaped, basket-handle, four-centered pointed, semi-elliptical, and circular. Cracks in the arches from earthquakes usually start on the inside. The study also identified when and how arches collapse during earthquakes.