This study aims to investigate the effects of partially distributed loads on the dynamic behaviour of steel parabolic arches by using the elasto-plastic finite element model based on the Von Mises yield criteria and the Prandtl-Reuss How rule. For this purpose, the vertical and the radial load conditions were considered as a distributed loading and the loading range is varied from 40% to 100% of arch span. Normal arch and arch with initial deflection were studied. The initial deflection of arch was assumed by the sinusoidal motile of ${omega}_i;=;{\omega}_O$ sin ($n{pi}x/L$). Several numerical examples were tested considering symmetric initial deflection when the maximum initial deflection at the apex is fixed as L/1000. The analysis resluts showed that the maximum deflection at the apex of arch was occurred when 70% of arch span was loaded. The maximum deflection at the quarter point of arch span was occurred when 50% of arch span was loaded. It is known that the optimal rise to span ratio between 0.2 and 0.3 when the vertical or radial distributed load is applied. It is verified that the influence of initial deflection of radial load case is more serious than that of vertical load case.