Arch (Catholic Encyclopedia article)
Thomas Poole · 1913
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Description
An arch is a structure of separate pieces, such as stone or brick, shaped as truncated wedges. They are set on a curved line so that mutual pressure holds them in place. This arcuated method contrasts with the trabeated style of Greek architecture, where lintels, or horizontal beams, spanned gaps between columns or between column and wall. The stones forming the arch's curve are called voussoirs, or arch stones, with the lowest being springers, whose joints are usually horizontal.
The upper face of the springer, where the first true arch stone starts, is skewbacked. The topmost central stone is the keystone. The concave underside is the intrados or soffit, and the convex upper side is the extrados. Piers and abutments give the arch its resting and resisting points. The entry is a builder's lexicon, defining each part before moving to arch forms and uses in church building.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Thomas Poole |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 1913 |
| COLLECTION | REFERENCE |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 9 KB |
| LICENSE | PUBLIC_DOMAIN |
| RIGHTS | PUBLIC DOMAIN |
| SOURCE | New Advent — Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) |