The Enduring Structural Legacy of Arches and Vaults in Construction

Arch and vault

“With the use of concrete made possible by pozzolan, a native natural cement, the Romans achieved huge interiors with the __________.”

Arch and vault are two types of structural elements that have been used in construction for centuries.

An arch is a curved structural element that is used to span openings between two vertical supports, such as columns or walls. The arch compresses the weight of the structure above it and transfers the load to the supports on either side. The unique shape of the arch allows it to distribute the weight evenly, which makes it an effective way to span large distances without using additional beams or supports. Arches can be found in many historical structures, such as ancient Roman aqueducts and Gothic cathedrals.

A vault is a series of arches that are connected to create a structural element that can span a larger area. The most common types of vaults are barrel vaults and rib vaults. A barrel vault consists of a series of arches that are placed end-to-end to create an elongated curved structure. A rib vault features a series of arched ribs that support lighter, flat panels between them. A vault can span a wide area without the need for additional columns or supports, which is why they are commonly used in the construction of large architectural feats, like cathedrals and castles.

Both arches and vaults are enduring examples of structural engineering and design. They were frequently used by ancient civilizations and continue to be used in modern construction around the world. The ability to span large distances with minimal supports makes them ideal for many types of buildings, including homes, bridges, and commercial structures.

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