Arches always generate the section of vaulted structures. • Vaults are generated by the projection of the arch section on a plan, which is most of the time horizontal. • Domes are basically shaped by the rotation of the arch section around a vertical axis. They can be built on circular or quadrangular plans. The main exceptions to this principle are: • Domes on squinches are made by a succession of increasing arches starting from the corners. The squinche looks like a half cone or portion of a cone, if the generating arch is not pointed. • Faceted domes are generated by the intersection of vaults, like the cloister dome. But it is built on a faceted plan and not a square or quadrangular plan like the cloister dome. • Groined vaults or domes are the intersection of two vaults crossing each other. Most of the time, they cross perpendicularly. • Cloister domes are also generated by the intersection of two vaults crossing each other, like the groined vault. The groin of the groined vault is identical to the inner edge of the cloister dome. The arch section of the cloister dome is not seen on the side of the dome, but only the cross sections. The Etruscans originated the arch (always semi-circular), the vault (an arched covering of stone), and the dome. The best preserved of the Etruscan arches is in the Porta all’Arco gateway at Volterra. Adopted and developed extensively by the Romans, the arch, vault and dome played an important part in their architecture. The Romans combined the trabeated system (a style of architecture in which a structure is supported over openings by beams or lintels) of the Greeks with the arch, vault, and dome of the Etruscans, constructing buildings that were structurally more complex and ambitious than those of either. The result was arcuated structures (supported on arches), built on the pier and arch system. Orders (a column with the entablature its supports) were used, often with arches, to face these arcuated structures. This was not entirely to serve a decorative purpose for the orders were carefully placed and adapted so that they contributed to the scale and proportion of the whole design. Vault The evolution of the vault begins with the discovery of the arch, because the basic “barrel” form, which appeared first in ancient Egypt and the Near East, is simply a deep, or three-dimensional, arch. Since the barrel vault exerts thrust as the arch does, it must be buttressed along its entire length by heavy walls in which openings must be limited in size and number. This is a disadvantage, since it inhibits light and circulation. But Roman builders discovered that openings could be made by building two barrel vaults that intersected at right angles to form the groin vault, which is square in plan and may be repeated in series to span rectangular areas of unlimited length. This vault has the additional advantage that its thrusts are concentrated at the four corners, so that the supporting walls need not

1. ARCHS , VAULTS AND DOMES
THEIRTYPESAND USES
SITE EXPOSURE AND YARD CONSTRUCTION
SUBMITTED BY - SUBMITTED TO -
ABDURRAB ANSARI ER.UMA PRASAD PANDEY

2. ARCH :
An arch is a curved structural form that carries
loads around an opening, transferring them around
the profile of the arch to abutments, jambs or piers
on either side.
Arches are compressive structures, that is, there
are no tensile stresses. They are self-supporting,
stabilised by the force of gravity acting on their
weight to hold them in compression. This makes
them very stable and efficient, capable of larger
spans, and supporting greater loads than horizontal
beams.

3. The downward load of an arch must be transferred to its foundations. The
outward thrust exerted by an arch at its base must be restrained, either by its own
weight or the weight of supporting walls, by buttressing or foundations, or by an
opposing tie between the two sides. The outward thrust increases as the height, or
rise, of the arch decreases.
ARCH CONSTRUCTION -
❏ Since many building materials, such as masonry and concrete, can resist compression, arches are
commonly constructed using these types of material.
❏ The construction of traditional masonry arches is dependent on the arrangement of the bricks, blocks
or stones over the opening. Wedge-shaped blocks, called voussoirs, are set flank-to-flank with the
upper edge being wider than the lower edge. Downward pressure on the arch has the effect of forcing
the voussoirs together instead of apart. The voussoir that is positioned in the centre of the arch is
known as the keystone.

4. ❏ This arrangement means that the arch is self-supporting, but temporary supports from below,
usually in the form of timber 'centres' (sometimes called 'centreing' or 'arch formers'), must be
provided until the keystone has been set in place.
❏ The interior, lower curve of the arch is known as the intrados. The exterior, upper curve of the arch
is known as the extrados. The spring, or springing line, is the point from which the arch starts to rise
from its vertical supports.
TYPES OF ARCH -
Most arches are circular, pointed or parabolic, however, there are a great many variations
of these basic forms that have developed during different periods. Ancient Roman architects
favoured rounded arches, whereas Gothic architects preferred pointed arches and in this
respect may have been influenced by Islamic architecture.

5. Triangular arch-
First developed by the
Mayans, the triangular
arch is formed by two
large diagonal stones that
span an opening by
mutually supporting each
other.

6. Round arch-
Also known as a semi-circular
arch, this is formed in a continuous
curve and was developed by the
Romans. They were often used side
by side in a series to create an
arcade. An adaptation is the rampant
round arch which has unequal
lengths of support on either side.

7. Segmental arch-
This is an arch that has a rise
that is less than a semi-circle. In a
flatter form, segmental arches
were commonly used for bridges
as larger spans are possible
without excessively increasing
height. Since the flatter the arch
gets the more thrust is delivered
sideways to the abutments, there
bridges require large abutments at
either side.

8. Lancet arch-
This was a form of
pointed arch that was
developed during the
Gothic period. It was often
used for windows and roof
structures in churches and
cathedrals. The arch is tall
and narrow with a pointed
apex.

9. Equilateral arch-
Also from the Gothic period,
equilateral arches were often used
for decorative entrances and
windows. The two springing points
and the crown of the intrados form
an equilateral triangle, meaning that
each curve has a chord length equal
to the span.

10. Camber arch-
Also known as a jack
arch, a camber arch is
similar to a lintel in that it
is flat, or almost flat, in
profile, however, the
voussoirs use their
compressive strength in the
same way as a regular arch.

11. Trefoil arch-
The trefoil arch was
commonly used in
religious buildings, and
incorporated the shape of
three overlapping rings,
known as a trefoil.

12. Horseshoe arch-
The curves of the
horseshoe arch bulge out
from the springing points
to create a horseshoe
profile. They were widely
used in Islamic
architecture in regions
such as Spain and North
Africa

13. Three-centred arch-
The three-centred
arch is similar to the
segmental arch but has
more than two centres,
providing it with an
elliptical or oval profile.

14. Four-centred arch-
The four-centred arch,
also known as a Tudor
arch or depressed arch, is
low and wide with a
pointed apex. It is
normally much wider
than its rise and was
commonly used in
English architecture.

15. Ogee arch-
The ogee arch form was
developed during the
English Gothic period and
follows a concave arc that
flows into a convex arc
with pointed crown. It was
often used for decorative
purposes above doorways.

16. Parabolic and catenary arch-
A parabolic arch follows the
principle that when there is a
uniformly applied load from above,
the internal compression that results
will follow a parabolic curve.
Parabolic arches produce the most
thrust at the base, but can span the
greatest distance, and so are
commonly used in bridge design.

17. A catenary arch looks very similar to a parabola, but is slightly more 'flat' at the bottom, and rises
faster than the parabola. The catenary is the solution to a differential equation that describes a shape that
directs the force of its own weight along its own curve, so that, if hanging, it is pulled into that shape, and
if standing upright it can support itself. The parabola does not have the same property, but is the solution
of other important equations that describe other situations.
*The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, US (pictured above) is a catenary arch.

18. VAULT-
An arch is a curved structural form that carries loads around an
opening, transferring them around the profile of the arch to
abutments, jambs or piers on either side. Arch are structurally very
stable in compression, as loads are relatively evenly balanced
through their form.
A vault is a structural form composed of a series of arches,
typically found in the construction of ceilings or roofs.
The word 'vault' may also be used to refer to a room or chamber
used for storage, in particular if it is underground, or secure.

19. Vaults must be able to withstand the outward pressure on the lower parts of
the vault imposed by the structure above. If the vault is underground, this pressure
might be resisted by the ‘fill’ surrounding it. If it is above ground, it can be resisted
by thick supporting walls, supporting columns, buttresses, stiffening diaphragm
beams, side anchors or parallel walls that can distribute stress.
● The arrangement of arches relative to one another determines the type of
vault.

20. TYPE OF VAULT-
BARREL VAULT-
A barrel vault (sometimes referred
to as a cradle vault, tunnel vault, or
wagon vault) is a continuous arched
shape that may approximate a semi-
cylinder in form, resembling the roof
of a tunnel, or may be pointed at its
apex. It is typically formed by a series
of arches placed side by side (or
sometimes by a continuous shell).

21. Cloister vault-
Cloister vaults, also
known as dome vaults, are
dome-shaped vaults that
maintain a polygonal shape
in their horizontal cross-
section. They arch towards
the centre from a constant
spring point along a wall.

22. Corbel vault-
A corbel is an architectural member that projects out from
a wall and acts as a type of bracket to carry weight, such as
that imposed by a balcony above.
Corbel arches consist of two opposing sets of overlapping
corbels meeting at a peak, resembling an inverted staircase.
When these arches are formed in a series they are known as
a corbel vault. Both corbel arches and vaults were common
elements of Babylonian and Mayan architecture, where
curved structures had yet to be developed.

23. Rib vault-
A rib vault is a structural ‘skeleton’ of
arches onto which masonry can be laid.
The crossed-arch domes is one of the
earliest types of ribbed vault, formed where
the ribs, instead of meeting in the dome’s
centre, are intertwined to form polygons,
leaving an empty space in the centre. The
earliest known crossed-arch dome is in
Spain’s Great Mosque of Cordoba, dating
back to the 10th century

24. Groin vault-
A groin vault is
formed by two barrel vaults
intersecting at right angles.
The ‘groin’ is the edge
between the intersecting
vaults. A series of groin
vaults can be built next to
one another to create a
similar effect to a simple
barrel vault.

25. Fan vault-
A fan vault is formed
by a series of concave
sections or ribs that
spread out from a series
of spring points,
typically associated with
Gothic architecture.

26. DOME-
The dome has a long history in the built environment, and has been a design
feature of many different kinds of architecture around the world. Domes are
prominent features of Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Italian
Renaissance design.
In its simplest form, a dome is a hollow semi-spherical structural element.
However, there are many variations on this basic shape, and The ‘Building
Construction Handbook’ describes domes as: ‘Double curvature shells which can
be rotationally formed by any curved geometrical plane figure rotating about a
central vertical axis.’

27. Domes evolved from arches, originally being adapted only to small buildings
such as huts and tombs; however, as construction and design techniques
developed, they became more popular as a means of showcasing grand
structures such as cathedrals, legislative buildings and, more recently, leisure
buildings such as sports stadia.
In terms of semiology, by reinforcing centrality and singularity, the form of the
dome renders explicit the primacy of the circle of space directly below.
In historical terms, the representational efficiency of the dome has made it popular
among those seeking to reinforce the notion of a centralised and singular power
system, whether absolute monarchy, monotheism, hegemonic dictatorship, fascism,
and so on.

28. Some of the terminology that is often associated with domes include:
● Apex: The uppermost point of a dome (also known as the ‘crown’).
● Cupola: A small dome located on a roof or turret.
● Extrados: The outer curve of a dome.
● Haunch: Part of an arch that that lies roughly halfway between the base
and the top.
● Intrados: The inner curve of a dome.
● Springing: The point from which the dome rises.

29. TYPE OF DOME-
Corbel dome-
Dating back to Paleolithic
construction, this is one of the
earliest dome forms, also known
as a ‘beehive dome’. They are
not domes in the strict sense, as
they are formed by horizontal
masonry layers that are slightly
cantilevered until meeting in the
centre.

30. Cloister vault-
Cloister vaults, also
known as dome vaults,
maintain a polygonal
shape in their horizontal
cross-section. They arch
towards the centre from a
constant spring point
along a wall.

31. Crossed-arch dome-
This is one of the
earliest type of ribbed vault
where the ribs, instead of
meeting in the dome’s
centre, are intertwined to
form polygons, leaving an
empty space in the centre.
The earliest known example
is in Spain’s Great Mosque
of Cordoba, dating back to
the 10th century.

32. Geodesic dome-
Geodesic domes are sphere-
like structures consisting of a
network of triangles which
provide a self-balancing structural
framework whilst using minimal
materials. They were developed
by the American engineer and
architect Buckminster Fuller in
the late 1940s.

33. Monolithic dome-
This is a dome structure
that is cast in a one-piece.
A monolithic dome is a thin-
shell structure cast in a one-
piece form. The form may be
permanent or temporary and
may or may not remain part of
the finished structure.
Monolithic domes are a form
of monolithic architecture.

34. Onion dome-
These domes are
characterised by the way they
bulge out beyond their base
diameters and taper smoothly in
an ogee (S-curve) profile. Their
height usually exceeds their
width and they are often gilded
or brightly painted. These are
traditionally associated with
Russian architecture, in
particular their multi-domed
churches. For more information,
see St. Basil’s Cathedral.

35. Oval dome-
An oval dome may be
defined as a dome whose
plan or profile (or both)
has an oval form. The
geometry is defined as
using combinations of
circular arcs that
transition at tangential
points.

36. Rotational dome-
Also known as
‘hemispherical domes’,
these are one half of
a sphere, constructed
on a circular ring
beam.

37. Saucer dome-
In terms of area these
are often some of the
largest domes, and are
shallower in profile than
other forms of dome.

38. Umbrella dome-
Also known as a
‘ribbed’, ‘parachute’ or
‘scalloped’ dome. These
are divided into curved
segments that follow the
elevation’s curve. Radial
lines of structure that act as
the dome’s ‘ribs’ extend
down the springing from
the apex.

39. Cable net dome-
Whilst not conventional
domes in that they are not
compression structures, but
tension structures, cable net
structures can adopt an overall
domed shape, albeit individual
sections are generally flat or
anticlastic in form (rather than
the synclastic form of
compression domes). The
Millennium Dome in London is
a cable net dome structure, and
at 320m in diameter, is one of
the largest domes in the world.

40. Inflated domes-
Inflated structures are
formed by pressurising a
volume of air enclosed by a
lightweight fabric membrane.
Inflated structures can adopt a
domed shape, and are
typically used for spaces
requiring a large enclosure
uninterrupted by columns,
such as radomes, warehouses,
sporting facilities, stadia and
so on.

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