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Types Of Arches

A brief introduction to the various types of arches and their uses

Below is a list of the various types of arches. It is by no means complete but it does cover the main ones and the most commonly used names for them in English. If there is a link alongside it leads to a separate page with sketches and photographs that goes into the details of the setting out of the curves.

The zhaozhou bridge in China, an extraordinary and sophisticated example of a segmental masonry arch built in 605AD.

Flat Arch This appears to be the most simple arch to build but in fact it is quite tricky and they need skill to make them look good.			Corbelled Arch Not actually a true arch. Probably the easiest one to build because it does not require any support during construction.
Triangular Arch Simple single piece stone laid together. The span is limited by the size of the available material.			Semicircular Arch Known as the Roman Arch after the people that brought it to perfection. First created before the Roman times.
Bullseye Arch Also called a circular arch. Much used for windows.			Bell Arch A Roman arch sat on corbels that are imposts.
Islamic Arch. Also known the Moorish Arch, a defining feature of Moorish architecture.			Pointed Islamic Arch A pointed variation of the Moorish arch.
Segmental Arch As shown in the introductory photo on this page, based on a segment of a circle.			Gothic Arch The defining feature of the late middle ages in Europe.
Foil Arches Embellishments of Gothic architecture. The one shown is a Trefoil Arch.			Arches based on circular arcs There are many varieties of these. This one known as the three centre arch.
Geometrical Arches Based on geometrical or mathematical curves. This on is an elliptical arch.			Ogee Arch Based on opposing circular arcs.
Venetian Arch A variation of the bell arch.			Skewed Arch An arch that is not at right angle to the wall it traverses. Most famously first used in early railway viaducts.

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