ARCHES AND FABRIC STRUCTURE

ARCH
 An arch is a structure constructed of wedge shaped units, jointed together with mortar and
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 ARCHES
 Intrados :- This is the inner curve of an arch.
 Soffit :- it is the inner surface of an arch.
 Extrados :- This is the outer curve of an arch.
 Voussoirs :- These are the 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.
 Spandril :- This is the triangular space formed between the extrados & the horizonal line
through the crown.
 Abutment :- This is the end support of an arch.
 Pier :- This is the intermediate support of an arcade.
 Arcade :- it is a row of arches in continuation.
 Skew back :- This is the inclined surface on the abutment.
 Springing line :- it is an imaginary line joining the springing points of either end.
 Springer :- it is the first voussior at springing level.
 Haunch :- it is the first lower half of the arch between crown and skew back.

STABILITY OF AN ARCH
 An arch transmit the super – imposed load to the side wall through friction between surfaces of
voussior and the cohesion of mortar.
 Every element of arch remains in compression.
 An arch may fail in the following types :-
a) Crucshing of the masonry.
b) Sliding of voussior.
c) Rotaion of joints about an edge.
d) Uneven settlement of abutment/pier.
 CLASSIFICATION OF ARCH
1] ACCORDING TO SHAPE

FLAT ARCH SEGMENTAL ARCH

VENETIAN ARCH

SEMICIRCULAR ARCH
HORSESHOE ARCH
POINTED ARCH
 2] CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NUMBER OF CENTERS

ONE CENTERED ARCH THREE CENTERED ARCH

FOUR
CENTERED
ARCH
 3] CLASSIFICATION BASED ON MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
 Stone arches
a) Rubble arch
b) Ashlars arch
 Brick arch
a) Rough arch
b) Axed or rough – cut arch
c) Gauged arch
d) Purpose made brick arch
 Concrete arches
4] CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR
 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 matual pressure of their own
weight.
 Hence, the structure remains in the position by the resistance from the support.
load mechanism

Uses :
The use of arches can be seen in churches, aqueducts, bridges, colleges, some homes and
monumental structures [triumphal arches].
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
 The entire arch is in compression.
 Arch bridges can be very long because there is no tension in the bridge.
 Spanning distance :– an arch can span further [ between two points of vertical support ] than
a straight beam.
 Materiality and form :- a variety of materials and forms can be used to construct an arch.

 An arch cannot stand until it is complete.

 The two halves must be cantilevered using cables.
 A cabled stayed structure must be built to hold both ends of the arch before it is joined.
FABRIC STRUCTURE