What Arches use Voussoirs?

circular arch
Parts of a circular arch.

How does a keystone support an arch?

A keystone (or capstone) is the wedge-shaped stone at the apex of a masonry arch or typically round-shaped one at the apex of a vault. In both cases it is the final piece placed during construction and locks all the stones into position, allowing the arch or vault to bear weight.

What is the voussoir in architecture?

voussoir : One of the wedge-shaped stones used in constructing an arch. See also: arch,archivolt.

What is springer in arch?

A springer is an architectural term for the lowest voussoir on each side of an arch. Since it is the bottom-most element of the arch, it is where the arch support terminates at the respond. It rests on the impost or pier of the arch, that is, the topmost part of the abutment, from which the arch arises.

What is the most important stone in an arch bridge?

The keystone is the most important stone in an arch bridge, without this stone the arch would collapse. The keystone holds the arch together.

What is the strongest part of an arch?

The catenary curve is the strongest shape for an arch which supports only its own shape. Freely hanging cables naturally form a catenary curve.

What is the most important stone in an arch?

The keystone is the most vital piece of the stone arch. It’s the wedge-shaped piece that is located at the very apex of the arch.

Does an arch need a keystone?

Keystone is the stone at the apex of the arches. Keystone plays a role in distributing all weight down the side support blocks in the columns. With this arch design, Keystone is the key element for standing the arch. Because without the Keystone, the arch will collapse.

What is a voussoir used for?

A voussoir is a wedge-shaped stone used in building arches and vaults. If you’re building an arch, or any other curved shape, rectangle bricks just won’t do. You need a voussoir or two! One type of building block is named by the French word voussoir.

What is the lowest stone in an arch?

keystone
The keystone is the centre stone or masonry unit at the apex of an arch. The springer is the lowest voussoir on each side, located where the curve of the arch springs from the vertical support or abutment of the wall or pier. The keystone is often decorated or enlarged.

What is soffit in arch?

A soffit is the underside of a part on a building, like a protective covering under the eaves of a house, or the surface of an arch as seen from below. The most common type of soffit is the one you’ll see on the underside of the eaves, running from the outside wall to the outer edge of the roof.