ARCH AND TYPES
OF ARCHES
PRAKRITI GUPTA
INTRODUCTION
• An arch is a structure constructed of wedge- shaped units, jointed
together with mortar & spanning an opening to support the wall
above it with other super-imposed loads.
• Due to wedge-like form, the units support each other, the load
tends to make them compact & enables them to transmit the
pressure downwards to their supports.
ELEMENTS OF
SEGMENTAL ARCH
• INTRADOS:- This is the inner curve of an
arch.
• SOFFIT:- It is the inner surface of an arch.
Sometimes, intrados & soffit are used
synonymously.
• EXTRADOS:- This is the outer curve of an
arch.
• VOUSSOIRS:- These are wedge-shaped
units of masonry, forming an arch.
• CROWN:- it is the highest part of extrados.
• KEY:- it is the wedge-shaped unit fixed at
crown of the arch.
SKEW BACK:- This is the inclined surface on the
• SPANDRIL:- This is the triangular space abutment, which is so prepared to receive an arch.
formed between the extrados & the
horizontal line through the crown.
SPRINGING LINE:- It is an imaginary line joining the
• ABUTMENT:- This is the end support of an springing points of either end.
arch.
SPRINGER:- it is the first voussior at springing level. It
• PIER:- This is the intermediate support of
an arcade. is immediately adjacent to the skewback.
• ARCADE:- It is a row of arches in HAUNCH:- It is the lower half of the arch between the
continuation. crown and skew back.
TYPES OF ARCHES BASED ON SHAPE
• There are the 18 most popular and interesting arches based on shape, found in the
modern world and throughout architectural history.
Flat Arch
The Flat arch creates an equilateral triangle within
Intrados as a base at an angle of 60° degrees. The
Flat arch is normally utilized for the construction
of light load structures.
Round arch
Also known as a semi-circular arch, this is formed in a
continuous curve and was developed by the Romans.
They were often used side by side in a series to
create an arcade.
Horseshoe arch
The curves of the horseshoe arch bulge out from the
springing points to create a horseshoe profile. They
were widely used in Islamic architecture in regions
such as Spain and North Africa.
Pointed arch
A pointed arch, ogival arch, or Gothic arch is an
arch with a pointed crown, whose two curving
sides meet at a relatively sharp angle at the top of
the arch. This architectural element was
particularly important in Gothic architecture.
Segmental arch
This is an arch that has a rise that is less than a
semi-circle. In a flatter form, segmental arches
were commonly used for bridges as larger spans
are possible without excessively increasing height
Equilateral arch
Also from the Gothic period,
equilateral arches were often used for
decorative entrances and windows. The two
springing points and the crown of the
intrados form an equilateral triangle, meaning that
each curve has a chord length equal to the span.
parabolic arch
A parabolic arch is a very complex, yet extremely
simple arch all at the same time. It is also referred
to as a catenary arch.
INFLEXED ARCH
An inflexed or reversed ogee arch is a unique
design that takes the arcs of a pointed arch and
inverts them to create two bows in the opening.
RAMPANT
Rampant arches feature one support that is
higher than the other. You can see rampant
arches on the external side of structural walls,
where the arch creates an opening on the side
of the structure.
ROUND TREFOIL
A trefoil arch, is an arch incorporating the shape
or outline of a trefoil – three overlapping
circles. It has been widely used for its symbolic
significance in Christian architecture. Trefoil
arches are common in Gothic
architecture for portals and decoration.
OGEE ARCH
An ogee is a decorative line formed by two
connected curves. The upper curve is concave,
or bowed inward like the inside of a bowl. The
lower curve is convex, or curved outward like
part of a sphere. When the two curves are
linked together they form an S-shaped curve.
shouldered arch
a spanning member consisting of a straight
lintel carried on corbels projecting into the
opening and usually cut into hollow curves
under their projecting ends.
three-centered arch
An arch whose inner curved surface is struc
k from three centers, resulting in a shape ap
proximating one-half an ellipse.
PSEUDO FOUR CENTERED ARCH
A Low Elliptical Or Pointed Arch; Usually
Drawn From Four Centers Historical
Background.
TRIANGULAR ARCH
Simple Single Piece Stone Laid Together.
The Span Is Limited By The Size Of The
Available Material. Formed By Two Large
Diagonal Stones That Mutually Support
Each Other To Span An Opening.
Keyhole ARCH
The keyhole is an emblematic arch of
Moorish architecture,
cinquefoil /pointed cinquefoil arch
A five-Iobed pattern divided by cusps; a
cusped arch with five foliations worked
into the intrados; a cinque-foil tracery at
the apex of a window.
corbel arch
A corbel arch uses overlapping stones to
create the arch-shape.
Architrave
VAULT An arched structure , usually of masonry , used as ceiling or canopy or as a support for
the roof. Masonry walls are composed of wedge shaped pieces called voussoirs , which are
held in place by the pressure of the neighboring pieces. A temporary supporting structure
must be erected within the vaulted area during the construction.
TYPES OF VAULTS
• Barrel vault
• Groin vault
• Rib vault
• Cloister vault
• Fan vault
• Net vault
• Annular vault
• Rampant vault
• Catalan vault
Barrel vault
Groin vault Rib vault
Net vault
Fan vault Annular vault
Cloister vault
Catalan vault
Rampant vault
