Graphical Construction Glossary >> masonry. >> arch >> Relieving Arch

Relieving Arch

An arch designed to take the weight of masonry above it off another arch or lintel.

The type of stone used in the building above is not available in large pieces suitable for lintels so the mason used the materials at hand. He used relieving-arches above the windows to take the weight of the stonework above, and then used flat arches as lintels over the windows.

A slightly different arch and lintel layout seen in Bruges. This is an often used feature over window and door heads. Apart from a decorative effect, there is a very practical reason for this arrangement. The wall is quite thick and if a simple rectangular lintel was used the amount of daylight reaching the interior of the building would be severely restricted. As it is the combination of the two arches and the bevel to the edge of the stone lintel allows a lot of extra light into the room.
The segmental arch is ideal for this type of work as there is little masonry underneath it for the window head or lintel to support.

• Relieving Arch:-Back to top
  
•  
• << BACK: Ogee arch
• brickwork : NEXT >>

If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900