Diaphragm arch

Diaphragm arch, South East Tower, Beaumaris Castle
Diaphragm arches in Romanesque architecture (St Philibert, Tournus)

A diaphragm arch is a transverse wall-bearing arch forming a partial wall dividing a vault or a ceiling into compartments[1] while also bracing the walls.[2]

When used under a wooden roof (with solid spandrels) it has the advantage of providing a partial firebreak.[3] It was first used in Roman Syria, during the 2nd century AD.[4] The diaphragm arch is present in Islamic, Carolingian, Ottonian and Romanesque architecture.[2]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Diaphragm arches.

See also

References

  1. ^ Technical Terms and the Understanding of English Medieval Architecture" E. C. Fernie, Architectural History Vol. 44, (2001), pp. 13-21 [1]
  2. ^ a b Hourihane 2012, p. 130, Diaphragm.
  3. ^ Architecture in Britain: the Middle Ages, Volume 12, p. 210
  4. ^ Arte medievale, 1987

Sources

  • Hourihane, C. (2012). "Arch". The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press. pp. 129–134. ISBN 978-0-19-539536-5. Retrieved 2024-12-24.


Stub icon

This architectural element–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.