Arch

Arch

An arch is a structure that is between two intermediate supports. In respect to post and lintel, the arch admits larger spans.

History

Invented by the Mesopotamian civilization and developed in its whole potential by the ancient Romans.

Technical aspects

Eliminates tensile stresses in spanning an open space

All the forces are resolved into compressive stresses.  Types of arches:

Natural arch: natural rock formation generally formed by erosion Blind: regular arch, the span is filled Half point: shaped like a semicircle Pointed: oval arch, it’s composed of two sections. Horseshoe: the curve is broader than a semicircle. Flying buttress arch: it works structurally and releases the forces to the ground. Vault: it’s an application of the arch extended horizontally. Dome: arch rotated around an axis.  Arch in urban planning:

Triumphal arch Arch as an entrance: mark the entrance to a city, country, etc.

Conclusion: curve lintel that makes larger spans possible.