Okay folks, hubby listened to me this time

with the result that the arc was made in about 3 hours, rather than the whole day ! Photo's below to show the steps.
1) Make your base (heavy timber and heavy screws) to whatever size your finished arc is going to be.
2) Cut your end pieces, easiest way is to lay a piece of the curved steel on the ply and draw round. You can add holes for lifting, ventilation or farrowing rails. And I'm going to look for some steel strips to re-inforce the doorways.
3) Attach end pieces to the base and add the extra supporting rails along the side and top.
4) Put the curved pieces in place and screw in with tex bolts (on the high bits, not the valleys to prevent leaks) Hubby has taken the belt & braces approach with EVERY support rail having the curves screwed to them. Personally I'd do along the bottom on both sides and the high central one - but what do I know

Feedback very much appreciated

Karen x