Arch



The content of this page is based on my group Oral Presentation

What is an arch?
An arch is a structure that spans a space while supporting weight. Arches appeared as early as the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamian brick architecture and their systematic use started with the Ancient Romans who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures.

History
The arch is an incredible architectural discovery, dating back to ancient times but still in wide use today, as, up until the 19th century, it was the only known method for roofing a building without the use of beams. It comes in many shapes-semicircular (Roman), segmental (less than half a circle), or pointed (Gothic). The arch developed from the post and lintel or possibly the corbel, which is similar in shape and principle to the arch. Efforts to build corbeled roofs with smaller units and less weight could have eventually led to the discovery of the arch.

Parts of an arch and how it is built
1) 2) 3) 4)

media type="youtube" key="AtLmo9xsNJg" height="344" width="425" Sorry but due to space problems the archive is in a host and it can be downloaded from here. http://rapidshare.com/files/366292622/ARCH_OP.ppt.html
 * My Oral Presentation**