Author: Haroon Khalil

Now-a-days, only RCC arches are used. Here, the blocks are similar to stone voussoirs and of precast type. These arches are used only for ornamental purposes.

The following four types of brick arches are in use: The above classification is based on the type of bricks used in the arch construction. The different types of bricks which can be used for arches are as follows: In gaughed arches, bricks are cut to the required wedge shapes so as to suit the…

Ashlar and rubble masonry are best for arch construction. Ashlar arches are constructed of stones which are cut and dressed to their true wedge shapes. Ashlar arches are used for superior work and have a good appearance. Ashlar arches can also be made to give a flat arch appearance (Fig. 19.3). These flat arches are…

Materials used for arches are stone, brick and concrete. A classification based on number of centres is discussed in Section 19.2.3. A classification of arches based on materials is also feasible which are discussed below.

Intrados is a combination of arcs of various radii. Based on the number of centres, arches may be classified as follows: 1. One-Centred Arch Under this category, semi-circular arch, segmental arch (which is less than a semi-circle), horse-shoe arch (which includes more than a semi-circle) and stilted arch (which consists of semi-circular arch with two…

Following are the terminologies used in arch work (Fig. 19.1). Figure 19.1 Various parts of an arch 1. Abutments These are the outermost supports of an arch from which the arch starts. That is, this is the wall which supports the arch. 2. Springing Line It is the horizontal line joining the two springing points. 3.…

Basically the stability of an arch depends on the friction developed between the wedge-shaped blocks and the cohesion of the mortar. The stability is disturbed by one of the following reasons: 1. Crushing of Arch Material Crushing of arch material can be safeguarded by taking the following precautions: 2. Sliding of Blocks In order to…

An arch is a mechanical arrangement of wedge-shaped blocks of stones or bricks mutually supporting each other and in turn supported at the ends by piers or abutments. However, arches made of steel and RCC are built as a single unit without the use of wedge-shaped units.

cArch and lintel are provided above doors, windows and passages. The function of an arch and a lintel is to carry the weight of the structure above the opening. In an arch because of the shape, the blocks support each other by the mutual pressure of their own weight and the structure remains in position…