Different Types Of Arches In Construction

1. Types Of Arches According To The Shape

  • Pointed Shape Arch
  • Horseshoe Shape Arch
  • Flat Arch
  • Segmental Arch
  • Semi Circular Arch
  • Venetian Arch
  • Semi-Elliptical Arch
  • Stilted Arch
  • Relieving Arch

Pointed Shape Arch

Lancet arches are also identified as gothic arches. A pointed arch has two arcs that meet at its vertices to form a triangle.
The elements of a triangle can be equilateral or isosceles (also called lancet arches).

Pointed Shape Arch

Horseshoe Shape Arch

The suggested name for this arch is the horseshoe arch because its shape resembles a horseshoe that is more curved than a semicircle. Horseshoe arches are commonly used in architectural structures.

Horseshoe Shape Arch

Flat Arch

The Flat arch creates an equilateral triangle inside Intrados as a base at a perspective of 60° degrees. The Flat arch is usually applied for the development of mild load structures.

The Extrados withinside the Flat arches is immediately and Flat. The intrados is in addition Flat and furnished a mild growth of camber of approximately 10 mm to fifteen mm. A flat arch is normally the weakest arch.

Flat Arch

Segmental Arch

A segmented arch is a type of arch where the arc of a circle is less than 180 degrees. This type of arch is recognized as a Syrian arch. Segmental arches are one of the strongest arches that can bear loads.

The Romans were the first to invent the segmental arch. This type of purchase was commonly used in the construction of residential windows and doors in the 20th century.

A segmented arch is a traditional type of arch used in buildings where the center of the arch is below the spring line. In the segmental arch, the thrust is carried out obliquely towards the abutment.

Segmental Arch

Semi Circular Arch

A semicircular arch in the center is placed on the spring line. In a semicircular arch, the thrust is transmitted completely to the stop in the vertical direction. The shape of the arch resembles a semicircle.

Semi-Circular Arch

Venetian Arch

The Venetian Arch is a three-center arch. The crown is deeper than the spring line. The Venetian arch is another form of the lancet arch.
It includes 4 centers, all in bouncy lines.

Venetian Arch

Semi-Elliptical Arch

A semi-elliptical arch is a semi-elliptical shape with three or five centers. This type of arches is also called basket handle arches.

Semi-Elliptical Arch

Stilted Arch

A stilted arch is a type of arch where the bend begins above the mullion line. This arch contains a semicircular arch with two vertical parts on the spring. The center of the crooked arch is straight.

Stilted Arch

Relieving Arch

This type of Relieving arch is made over a flat arch or wooden lintel. The main purpose of this type of arch is to give it more power. The ends of these arches should fit snugly against the abutment.

If you lower the arch, you can easily restore rotten wooden lintels without compromising the stability of the arch and structure.

Relieving Arch

2. Types Of Arches According To Type Of Material Used For Construction

  • Stone Arches
  • Brick Arches
  • Concrete Arches

Stone Arches

There are two types of stone arches commonly used in construction.

(A) Ashlar Arches, (B) Rubble Arches

(A) Ashlar Arches

To form the arch, the stone is cut into the desired shape and processed accordingly. Joints are properly filled with cement mortar to ensure proper adhesion. The Ashlar stones are similarly used in the construction of flat arches.

Ashlar Arch
Ashlar Arch

(B) Rubble Arches

Rubble Arches are used to form arches up to 1 meter in range. This type of span is made of rubber stone and treated accordingly. The rubble arch is unstable and is typically used only for secondary work. The mortar is used to bind stones.

Rubble Arches
Rubble Arches

Brick Arches

Brick arches are one of the popular types of arches used in construction. This type of arch is installed using existing bricks. Cement mortar is used in the construction of brick arches.

Brick arch
Brick arch

Concrete Arches

Concrete arches are widely used in modern construction such as tunnels, circular buildings, etc. It can be precast concrete arches or cast in situ arches. Concrete arches provide high durability.

Concrete Arches
Concrete Arches

3. Types Of Arches According To Number Of Center

  1. One Centered Arch
  2. Two Centered Arches
  3. Three Centered Arches
  4. Four Centered Arches
  5. Five Centered Arches

One Centered Arch

These types of arches have only one specific center. Some arches under this category are semicircular arches, flat arches, horseshoe arches, segmental arches, etc.

One Centered Arch
One Centered Arch

Two Centered Arches

Two centered arches simply have two centers. The lancet arch, gothic arch, or lancet arch is classified into two central arches. Semi-elliptical arches also fall into this category.

Two Centered Arches
Two Centered Arches

Three Centered Arches

This type of arch has three centers. The elliptical arches and the equilateral arches are classified into three central arches.

Three Centered Arches
Three Centered Arches

Four Centered Arches

This type of arch has 4 centers. Venetian arches come under the category of four central arches with a total of four centers. Tudor also falls into this category.

Four Centered Arches
Four Centered Arches

Five Centered Arches

The 5-center arch has a total of 5 centers, allowing for a proper semi-ellipse shape.

Five Centered Arches
Five Centered Arches

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