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10/20/05
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TYPICAL USES OF THE SYSTEM The
two-dimensional compression system commonly known as arch has been
applied from the Mesopotamian times to this day. The use of an arch has
evolved from simple naturally existing passage ways (mostly seen in
caves) to complex arrangement of arches that are used in train stations,
cathedrals, monumental arches, bridges and so forth. Here we have
broadly categorized application of arches when used to create wide open
space, bridges and aesthetical values. OPEN SPACE One of the uses that an arch is applied to is creating a large open space. The capability of an arch to span a space and support a significant weight without the need of columns in the middle makes it ideal for cathedrals, train stations, hangars and so on. This use of the arch is due to the invention of the barrel vault, it extends the simple system of the arch to a more complex system by “adding” or “connecting” arches back to back. The barrel vault system is even more extended when applied in making continues segments of open space by uses beams as a support at the meeting point of two adjacent arches. Cathedrals: The use of arches has been around long before the Romans adopted it. Nonetheless, the Romans were the ones that refined it and used it as barrel vaults that allowed them to create high ceiling long assembly space that created axial arrangement that allowed them to direct the focus of the church to the alter. St. Sernin at Toulouse: construction began about 1060 and the nave was vaulted about 1119.
Train Stations: Barrel vaults were used in train stations to create large open space that have good ventilation and light. Such spaces that accommodate large number of people at a time use barrel vaults to create the sense of openness that lessens the feel of clutter. Some airports use such methods as well.
Hangar: Hangars are used to house airplane for repair, paint jobs, for storage and more. Hangars are mostly made using the two-dimensional compression system (barrel vault). The use of such structure is ideal because it gives large space that can house the airplane with its wings stretched and still have space to perform work on it.
BRIDGES The arch is widely used in bridges all over the world. This type of system allows the design of a bridge with no part of the bridge experiencing tensile force. Arched bridges are also ideal systems because of the long span length that can be achieved. Concrete is mostly used in such system since concrete has high compression strength. Wood arched bridges are usually used in gardens, over small creek and such because it has small span length, relatively easy and inexpensive to construct and also looks nice. Steel brides are commonly used now as well since it can be standardized and easily mass produced.
AESTHETICS Since the days of the Roman Empire to our times, arches have been considered something of a high architectural beauty. The arch has been used in as Triumphal arches, door ways, and monumental arches to name a few.
Triumphal arches: The gracefulness but yet strength and masculinity of arches has attracted several Kings to use them as a symbol of their accomplishment.
Passage Ways: the arched door ways have been widely accepted for one reason or another. The identity of an arch with two-dimensional compression makes it a good source of distribution of the load, but the use of such doors as expanded from that to creative ways of using it to make it aesthetically pleasing.
OTHER EXAMPLES Other cool pictures with two-dimensional compression systems
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This site was last updated 10/20/05
