| This series of drawings shows the structure of some basic arches and vaults. The construction of an arch (A) requires a temporary wooden structure to hold the voussoirs (wedge-shaped bricks or stones) until the keystone, or central voussoir, can be put into place. Arches are connected with the aid of an impost (B), a piece of molding located where the arch begins. Imposts are also used at the point between an arch and the capital of a column. Arches can be connected (C) to form a barrel, or tunnel vault. A series of barrel vaults (D) is used to create an arched ceiling or roof. A variation on this is the cross, or groin, vault (E), in which two barrel vaults intersect. |
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