In architecture, an arcade is a set of contiguous arches, all supported by columns or pillars. Arcades on the exterior of a building typically create a passageway, while an interior arcade can be found in the lowest part of the walls.
The different types of arcade arches in construction
Flat arc
A flat arch is exactly what it sounds like, with a flat soffit and slightly raised curvature. This type of arch has two straight faces with a straight, flat top and there is an opening at the bottom for people to pass through.
Round Arch
The round arch has two straight sides, but the tops of those sides curve and meet in the middle at the top to create a curved or round arch. Again, this arch was designed for people walking underneath and you will see them outside and inside houses and buildings.
Segmental Arc
The segmented arch is a basic arch normally used in buildings and is one of the most resistant arches that can be built. However, to be as durable as possible, this arch must have an elevation equal to at least one-eighth of the width of the opening. The center of the segmental arc is below the jump line and all thrust is directed in the inclined directions.
Pointed Segmental Arc
A pointed segmental arch is similar to the segmental arch, but instead of a round top, this one ends up being pointed.
Horseshoe arch
A horseshoe arch is more curved than a semicircle arch and looks exactly like a horseshoe. This type of arch is typically considered when architectural arrangements are required and there are three different types. The regular horseshoe arch has a round top, while the pointed horseshoe arch has a pointed top in the middle. The third version is a rounded horseshoe, which has the bottom of a regular horseshoe and almost a full circle at the top.
Arc Three Centers
A three-center arch is not that common, but you will see it on many arches that need renovation at different periods. This type of arch requires much more support, due to the thickness of the wall. This arch is normally used when planning a semicircular arch, as they are very resistant. There is also a pseudo-three-centered arch, which does not have such a rounded top.
Triangular Arc
A triangular arch is also known as a Mayan arch or miter arch. The top forms a triangle and the edges are usually taped together to keep everything secure.
Parabolic Arc
A parabolic arch looks like a parabola and is often used in the construction of cathedrals and bridges. The most famous parabolic arch may be the St. Louis Arch.
Rampant bow
Rampant arches are beautiful because they are taller on one side than the other. Also, although you will mostly have rounded, unrestrained arches, sometimes you will see a pointed one.
Keyhole arch
A keyhole arch looks exactly like an old door hole and adds a bit of visual appeal to what could be just a basic arch.
Double bow
An ogee arch has two arcs curved in opposite directions so that it appears to be shaped like an S. The reason this arch does this is to create parallel ends. The pointed arch is similar to a sigmoid curve, which is a phrase you'll see in more areas than just construction. Some other areas include plastic surgery, mathematics, and even watch face design.
Clover Arch
As long as you know what a shamrock looks like, you'll be able to identify a shamrock bow right away. If you don't know what a shamrock looks like, know that this arch has three overlapping rings and is often used in Christian designs. Although many trefoil arches are round, you will occasionally see pointed arches.
Flat bow with shoulders
A flat shouldered arch is also called a Jack arch and is used to support openings in masonry projects. These arches are flat at the top and the masonry on the sides of the arch must be thick enough to absorb some of the weight of the arches.
Fixed Arc
A fixed arch is typically used for concrete bridges and tunnels. This is the perfect arch for shorter spans; however, the internal stress is enormous due to the contraction and expansion that occurs inside.
Materials used for arches
Arches can be made from many different materials, but are most commonly made from brick, concrete, steel, and stone.
Bricks
There are four different types of brick arches: ax brick arches, gauged brick arches, custom-made brick arches, and raw brick arches. An axed brick arch features bricks that are cut into wedges and put into place with a special brick ax. Calibrated brick arches are cut to specific sizes using a wire saw, which is why soft bricks are the only ones used.
Purpose made bricks are manufactured specifically for the job that needs to be completed while raw brick arches use regular bricks and the arch design is created using these types of bricks.
Concrete
There are two types of concrete arches: monolithic concrete block arches and precast concrete block arches. The former is better for larger arches and all work is done on site. The latter are created off-site and simply put into practice at the start of the arch work.
Steel
Steel is another material that can be fabricated and cut off-site, so you can simply put everything together and not worry about cutting or measuring again.
Stone
When it comes to stone arches, you have ashlar arches and rubble arches. Ashlar arches are made after cutting the stones into suitable shapes. You would then apply mortar to keep everything in place. Rubble arches are made from rubble and are not as strong or durable as ashlar. In fact, rubble arches are only used inside buildings because they cannot support everything that is outside.
As you can see, there are many different types of arcade arches to view and build. If you've never built a bow before, you might want to consult someone who has, because this isn't the easiest job for a beginner. However, if you're up for a challenge, this is the perfect job to add to your resume.
