|
|
||
10/20/05
|
      
|
Two-dimensional compression is a unique style of design and architecture. It has many good features in the way that it supports a structure and also the aesthetically pleasing environment that it can create when used correctly. But like all structural systems, there are some downsides and limitations to this system.
The main component in two-d compression is always in compression. This limits the materials that can be used when creating a structure with this system. This means that whatever material is being used, must have a large enough compressive strength to withstand all of the forces that are being transmitted through system and into the foundation.
Another limitation can sometimes be found in bridge designs. The foundations of an arched bridge must be very large in size and mass to be able to support the forces that are being transferred from the arch. This is also true for buildings with barrel vaults. The supporting wall that holds the vault up must be very thick the resist the compressive forces that are pushing outward on the wall.
The arch is at an advantage for being able to span great distances without having to put a supporting column in the middle of its roof to hold it up. This is true, but it again limits the type of material used for constructing the arch. As you will see in our materials page, only certain types of materials can span a certain distance, which can create a problem if you were trying to cover a span that is too large for the material that you were looking to use.
A final limitation to the two-dimensional compression system is the labor hours involved. Creating a masonry arch or vault consumes a lot of time because of the vast amount of formwork that is involved with such a structure. It takes a tremendous amount of men and hours to build all of the forms to support the masonry while it cures in the proper shape for the vault. This large amount of labor hours adds up to a large amount of money being spent by whoever is paying to have the building or bridge constructed.
This site was last updated 10/20/05 |
