ArchitectureLesson 1 of 2 in the course Structures and building technology

Architectural Arches: Forms, Structural Action, Construction, and History

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

An arch is a curved structure that spans an opening. It may carry loads or serve as decoration. Understanding its parts and how forces travel through it explains why arches made of masonry can span openings that would be difficult for a simple lintel.

An arch is a curved vertical structure spanning an open space. A load-bearing arch transfers loads above the opening to its supports. A decorative arch, such as a theater proscenium arch, frames a view without serving a structural purpose.

All flashcards

What is a true arch?
A load-bearing arch whose elements work primarily under compression, transferring loads toward its supports.
What are the intrados and extrados?
The intrados is the underside, or soffit, of an arch. The extrados is its external surface.
What is arch thrust?
Thrust is the horizontal reaction at an arch's ends. The abutments, neighboring arches, or a tie must resist it.
What does a funicular shape represent?
It is the curve or polygon corresponding to the way a particular load is distributed. An ideal compression arch resembles an inverted hanging chain under the matching load.
What is the safe-theorem test for a masonry arch?
In a simplified analysis, the arch is considered stable if its line of thrust remains within the boundaries of its voussoirs.

Quiz questions

  1. Compared with a semicircular arch, what can a pointed arch do at its base?Answer: Produce a lower horizontal reaction.
  2. Under which conditions is an inverted parabola an ideal compression shape?Answer: With evenly distributed load along the span and negligible arch weight.
  3. What is centering used for during masonry arch construction?Answer: Temporary support until the arch ring is complete and stable.
  4. Which feature makes a three-hinged arch statically determinate?Answer: Pinned joints at both bases and another hinge at the crown.
  5. From which builders did the Romans learn the semicircular arch?Answer: The Etruscans.

Based on the Wikipedia article Arch, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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