A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve (or pair of curves, in the case of a pointed barrel vault) along a given distance. The curves are typically circular in shape, lending a semi-cylindrical appearance to the total design.
What do you mean by barrel vaults?
A barrel vault is a continuous arched shape that may approximate a semi-cylinder in form , resembling the roof of a tunnel, or may be pointed at its apex. It is typically formed by a series of arches or vaults placed side by side or by a continuous shell.
What is the purpose of a barrel vault?
Essentially a row of adjoining arches repeated to cover a given distance, allowing for the spanning of far greater distances than stone post-and-beam construction, barrel vaults are archetypal units of spatial enclosure that speak of the very beginnings of structural ingenuity.
What are vaults in architecture?
Vault, in building construction, a structural member consisting of an arrangement of arches, usually forming a ceiling or roof . ... Roman architects discovered that two barrel vaults that intersected at right angles formed a groin vault, which, when repeated in series, could span rectangular areas of unlimited length.
What are the disadvantages of a barrel vault?
The disadvantage of a barrel vault, however is that it exerts thrust the same way the arch does . Meaning, the vault exerts an outward thrust and thus must be buttressed along the entire length. This characteristic prevented the use of large windows as well as prevented easy circulation.
How does a barrel vault work?
The barrel vault is the simplest form of a vault: effectively a series of arches placed side by side (i.e., one after another). It is a form of barrel roof. As with all arch-based constructions, there is an outward thrust generated against the walls underneath a barrel vault.
What is the difference between a barrel vault and a groin vault?
A barrel vault (also called a cradle vault, tunnel vault, or wagon vault) has a semicircular cross section. A groin (or cross) vault is formed by the perpendicular intersection of two barrel vaults . A rib (or ribbed) vault is supported by a series of arched diagonal ribs that divide the vault’s surface into panels.
What is a pointed arch called?
A pointed arch, ogival arch, or Gothic arch is an arch with a pointed crown, whose two curving sides meet at a relatively sharp angle at the top of the arch.
What is a vault?
1 : a room or compartment for storage or safekeeping . 2 : something like a vast ceiling the vault of sky. 3 : an arched structure of stone or concrete forming a ceiling or roof. 4 : a burial chamber.
What is a barrel vault quizlet?
barrel vault. the simplest form of vault consisting of an unbroken series of arches ; it forms a tunnel like shape. groin vault. formed at the point at which 2 barrel vaults intersect at right angles.
Where are vaults used in architecture?
A vault is a structural form composed of a series of arches, typically found in the construction of ceilings or roofs . The word ‘vault’ may also be used to refer to a room or chamber used for storage, in particular if it is underground, or secure.
How are vaults used today?
A smoothly finished vault provides contemporary style , while vaults made from brick, wood or open framework add a touch of rustic charm. In the garden, barrel vaulted latticework provides a beautiful framework for growing vines. It is also used in creating outdoor, brick-fire ovens.
What are buttresses in architecture?
Buttress, in architecture, exterior support , usually of masonry, projecting from the face of a wall and serving either to strengthen it or to resist the side thrust created by the load on an arch or a roof.
What did barrel vaults replace?
Barrel vaults are known from Ancient Egypt, and were used extensively in Roman architecture. They were also used to replace the Cloaca Maxima with a system of underground sewers.
What is the difference between an arch and a vault?
Since an arch depends on the interdependence of its parts , it will not stand until each of its parts is in place. ... A vault is a ceiling of brick, stone, or concrete built in the principle of the arch.
When two barrel vaults meet they form a?
A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. The word “groin” refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round.
