Basics in Building Construction

Building Components And Types

Lesson 17 and 18 : Arches

Classification Based On Materials Of Construction

Laying of Arch

After the erection or installation of centering, skewbacks are first prepared. Voussoirs are then arranged in proper and required forms, starting from skewbacks and proceeding towards the crown. Finally, key-stone (or key brick) is inserted so that all the voussoirs are locked in position. The voussoirs should be properly bedded. After that, the center or turning piece is eased by slackening the wedges so that it is lowered by a height of 2 to 3 mm. Such a process is an essential requirement in stone arches, since it permits the voussoirs to settle upon their beds properly.