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1 Hrishiraj Sarma - A.P.I.E.D - 2014
1 Hrishiraj Sarma - A.P.I.E.D - 2014
D | 2014 1
What is an Arch?
An Arch may be defined as mechanical arrangement of wedge-shaped
blocks of stones or bricks mutually supporting each other and supported at the
end by piers or abutments.
An arch is a structure that spans a space and supports structure and weight
below it.
Arches appeared as early as the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamian brick
architecture and their systematic use started with the Ancient Romans who
were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures.
Function of an Arch
The function of an Arch is to carry weight of the structure above the
opening.
Because of their shape, the blocks support each other by mutual pressure of
their own weight.
Hence, the structure remains in the position by the resistance from the
support.
HRISHIRAJ SARMA | A.P.I.E.D | 2014 2
Basic concept
An arch is a pure compression form. It can span a large area by resolving forces
into compressive stresses and, in turn eliminating tensile stresses. This is
sometimes referred to as arch action. As the forces in the arch are carried to the
ground, the arch will push outward at the base, called thrust. As the rise, or
height of the arch decreases, the outward thrust increases. In order to maintain
arch action and prevent the arch from collapsing, the thrust needs to be
restrained, either with internal ties, or external bracing, such as abutments.
1. Keystone
2. Voussoir
3. Extrados
4. Impost
5. Intrados
6. Rise
7. Clear span
8. Abutment
HRISHIRAJ SARMA | A.P.I.E.D | 2014 3
Type of
Arch
Materials of
Geometry
Construction
1. Flat Arch. 11. Tree foil Arch. 1. Stone Arch.
2. Semi-circular Arch. 12. Moorish Arch. Rubble Arch, Aslar Arch.
3. Segmental Arch. 13. Ogee Arch. 2.Brick Arch.
4. Relieving Arch. 14. Multifoil Arch. Rough Arch, Axed Brick Arch, Gauged
5. Dutch of French Arch. 15. Tudor Arch. Brick Arch, Arch of Brick bonds.
6. Elliptical Arch. 3. Concrete Arch
7. Parabolic Arch. Concrete block Arch
8. Four centered Arch. Monolithic Concrete Arch
9. Five centered Arch. R.C.C Arch
10. Seven centered Arch. 4. Wooden Arch.
5. Metal Arch.
HRISHIRAJ SARMA | A.P.I.E.D | 2014 4
Types of Arches on Geometry
Segmental Arch
Semi circular Arch HRISHIRAJ SARMA | A.P.I.E.D | 2014 5
Types of Arches on Geometry
Roman aqueduct near Nimes, France Horseshoe arches (9th century) in the
Mosque of Uqba, in Kairouan, Tunisia
HRISHIRAJ SARMA | A.P.I.E.D | 2014 13
Uses of Arch
Pointed arches were most often used by builders of Gothic-
style architecture.
The advantage to using a pointed arch, rather than a circular
arch, is that the arch action in a pointed arch produces less thrust
at the base.
This innovation allowed for taller and more closely spaced
openings, typical of Gothic architecture