The pointed Gothic arch allowed architects to span wide distances and distribute weight in a way that had been impossible with Romanesque arches, and to use complex systems of vaulting and arcading. The development of the pointed arch was the real springboard for the architectural revolution that we call 'Gothic'. The early Romanesque arches gradually developed into pointed arches, which took on a wide variety of shapes and styles. The earliest arches used in British churches were of the Romanesque style - that is, rounded, or semi-circular, in the same way that classical Roman crches were shaped. The distance from the springing line to the underside (intrados) is called the rise. The underside of the arch is also called a soffit, while the distance between the arch supports or abutments is called the arch's span. The outer curve of the voussoirs is caled an extrados, while the inner curve is an intrados. The support (usually a sold wall or a column) on which the arch rests is an abutment. This springing line is frequently marked by a projecting bracket or moulded stone called an impost. The horizontal vousoirs at each side are called springers, and the point at which the arch springs from its support stones is called the springing line. The central stone at the apex of the arch is called a keystone, and is sometimes embellished or decorated in a way to make it stand out. Because of the way a wedge shape transfers weight and thrust, arches can be made to carry immense weight and span large openings.Įach wedge shaped stone is called a voussoir. At its most basic, and arch is simply a set of wedge-shaped blocks (usually of stone) spanning an opening. Additionally, this stone arch features a keystone with a grotesque figure as an added detail.Books could be written about the different styles, shapes, and architectural influence of arches in British church history. The rough stonework is typical of voussoirs and helps to accent the entranceway of the building. The arch rests on small cushion capitals and columns on each end, with elaborate ornament bands surrounding the voussoirs. One example of a stone arch with rough-faced voussoirs is found on the Blacherne Apartments at 402 North Meridian Street. Some masonry arches include a keystone, which is a wedge-shaped piece that is placed in the center of the arch, used to assist in stabilizing the voussoirs. The use of several consecutive voussoirs ultimately creates the masonry or stone arch. The term springer implies the first voussoir that is placed at the base of the arch. Online content, journal, and practice Learn with flashcards, games, and more for free. Rotunda: A round, cylinder structure, usually toped with a dome. A voussoir is a single wedge of brick or masonry used to create an arched opening or detail. Corbel dome: This type of dome is made up of rotating corbel arches along a central axis. However, today’s Building Language term explores the vocabulary associated with the elements of a masonry, stone, or terracotta arch. The use of arches in masonry is widespread across historic buildings in Indianapolis. Usually of stone or brick hut may also be wood imitating stone. Stone arched entrance with rough-faced voussoirs, Blacherne Apartments, 402 North Meridian Street PINNACLE A conical ornament surmounting a gable or buttress in medieval architecture.
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