Types of arches Arch

semi-circular arches using limestone block construction @ great wall, china



roman aqueduct near nîmes, france: arcade, employing circular arch



horseshoe arches in 9th-century mosque of uqba, in kairouan, tunisia

pointed arches used builders of gothic-style architecture. advantage using pointed arch, rather circular one, arch action produces less thrust @ base. innovation allowed taller , more closely spaced openings, typical of gothic architecture.

cathedral of st. michael , st. gudula in brussels, belgium, central pointed arch window, typical of gothic architecture

vaults adjacent arches [that] assembled side side. if vaults intersect, complex forms produced intersections. forms, along expressed ribs @ vault intersections, dominant architectural features of gothic cathedrals.

interior vaulted ceiling of notre dame de paris, showing ribs @ intersection of several arches

the parabolic arch employs principle when weight uniformly applied arch, internal compression resulting weight follow parabolic profile. of arch types, parabolic arch produces thrust @ base, can span largest areas. commonly used in bridge design, long spans needed.

tyne bridge in newcastle upon tyne, england: parabolic arch used in bridge design



a series of parabolic arches on móra d ebre bridge, catalonia

the catenary arch has shape different parabolic curve. shape of curve traced loose span of chain or rope, catenary structurally ideal shape freestanding arch of constant thickness.

types of arches displayed chronologically, in order in developed: