Arch Construction

TYPES OF ARCHES

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Arch types
Arches are classied according to their shape. The more common types are: Semi circular. Segmental. Soldier. Flat or skewback. There are more complex arch shapes which require more skill to construct but these types of arches are only constructed when specic architectural features are required to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a building. Semi circular arches As the name implies this type of arch is in the shape of a semi circle. Any loading placed upon the walling above the arch will be transferred down through the arch onto the abutment. This type of arch is not visibly acceptable when constructed in the rough fashion with standard bricks as the mortar joints become very wide on the arch extrados. It is more acceptable to use an odd number of specially preformed voussoirs so that there is a central key brick with an equal number of bricks on either side.

Semi circular arch

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Setting out arch shape Arch shapes are usually set out full size either on a sheet of plywood or hardboard. Once the span and the depth of the arch are known the arch is scribed using a set of trammels and a lath. Two curves representing the intrados and extrados of the arch are drawn from a centre point along the springing line. This drawing is also used to set a support for the arch. This is constructed of timber and is known as an arch centre.

Having set the outlines of the arch the next step will be to set out the voussoirs around the perimeter of the arch. This can be done by laying dry bricks around the intrados; or, if the arch outline is drawn out on a setting out board, the spaces of the voussoirs can be set out using a set of dividers. All the voissoirs are set out using a set of dividers. The voissoirs are spaced evenly from the key brick to the springing line plus one extra joint at the bottom.

Note: When setting out the voussoirs for a multi ringed arch the key brick should be marked out rst in each ring.

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Constructing a semi circular arch

The method of constructing an arch is similar for all types of arches.

1. Set out the opening with a tolerance of about 5mm to allow easy release of the centre. 2. Use the arch centre as a guide or produce a pinch rod (a lath cut to the opening size to check the abutments for plumb as work proceeds). 3. Build the abutments up to the springing line, position the centre carefully, supporting on timber props and folding wedges (see Module 3), and check for level in all directions. 4. Build the corners (or stopped ends) of the wall up for about four or ve courses. 5. Pull a line through the corners and lay the face of the voissoirs to the line. It may be necessary to raise the line whilst the voissoirs are being laid. The line controls the face plane of the voissoirs only. 6. Level each voissoir as it is laid and check that it is laid square on the arch centre, and that it meets the marked setting out points on the centre. Check that the brick radiates to the striking point with a line (if possible). 7. Lay a few voissoirs on each side to avoid pushing the centre out of position. Ensure all joints are totally full to avoid weaknesses in the arch. 8. Adjust the line to the top of each course at the corners and run in brickwork normally to the arch, cutting as required to the extrados of the arch. (Note: lay further brick rings before running in, if necessary.) 9. Repeat the procedure until the arch is complete, always retaining the balance by building both sides up together. The key brick must be laid very carefully and the joints well lled. 10. Ease the centre slightly (see next sheet), as soon as the arch is complete, to allow the joints to contract uniformly when setting. 11. Strike the arch centre after allowing adequate time to set. Joint the soft of the arch.

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TYPES OF ARCHES

Segmental Arches A segmental arch is an arch which is a true radius but is only a segment of a full circle and where all the voussoirs are identical.

The most popular shape is one with a low rise and a large span which will permit the use of standard bricks with tapered joints. Arches with smaller spans and with a greater rise will require tapered voussoirs to make the arch more visibly acceptable. The use of an odd number of voussoirs will ensure that one will be central at the arch crown to form the key brick.

Segmental arch shape

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TYPES OF ARCHES

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Constructing a segmental arch

The method of constructing an arch is similar for all types of arches

Setting out the arch shape

Key brick Work alternately from each side Skewback

Arch centre

Striking line

Construction of arch in progress with work progressing from either end

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TYPES OF ARCHES

Constructing a segmental arch

1. Set out the opening with a tolerance of about 5mm to allow easy release of the centre. 2. Use the arch centre as a guide or produce a pinch rod (a lath cut to the opening size to check the abutments for plumb as work proceeds). 3. Build the abutments up to the springing line, position the centre carefully, supporting on timber props and folding wedges (see Module 3), and check for level in all directions. 4. Build the corners (or stopped ends) of the wall up for about four or ve courses. 5. Mark the skewback angle on the temporarily supported bricks at each side. Cut the bricks accurately and bed them as each course completed (up to the top of the skewback angle at this stage). 6. Pull a line through the corners and lay the face of the voissoirs to the line. It may be necessary to raise the line whilst the voissoirs are being laid. The line controls the face plane of the voissoirs only. 7. Level each voissoir as it is laid and check that it is laid square on the arch centre, and that it meets the marked setting out points on the centre. Check that the brick radiates to the striking point with a line (if possible). 8. Lay a few voissoirs on each side to avoid pushing the centre out of position. Ensure all joints are totally full to avoid weaknesses in the arch. 9. Adjust the line to the top of each course at the corners and run in brickwork normally to the arch, cutting as required to the extrados of the arch. (Note: lay further brick rings before running in, if necessary.) 10. Repeat the procedure until the arch is complete, always retaining the balance by building both sides up together. The key brick must be laid very carefully and the joints well lled. 11. Ease the centre slightly, as soon as the arch is complete, to allow the joints to contract uniformly when setting. 12. Strike the arch centre after allowing adequate time to set. Joint the soft of the arch.

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Soldier arch A soldier arch is not strictly and arch but the head of an opening. It is a non-structural arch form constructed of bricks on end and supported by a proprietary steel lintel. Visually it portrays the supporting action of an arch hence its classication as an arch type.

Soldier arch

Skewback or at arch This arch is so called because the top of the arch is at and the ends are sloping or skewback to form a supporting wedge. Each voussoir has its own unique shape, and special drawings and templates are required for their construction. The voussoirs can be ordered from a manufacture or they can be cut from a template taken from the main drawing. It is usual practice to make a template of the angle of skewback, and the bricks adjacent to the rst voussoir are cut to the correct angle.

Skewback or at arch