Arches

Chapter 5
Learning outcomes
At the end of the topic, learners should be able to

State the need for

Draw to a given scale, a segmental arch up to three rough ring
Draw semi-circular arch, raw and chopped kinds.
Draw and fully label the components of formwork (Centring) for arches
in
o Steel construction
o Wooden construction

INTRODUCTION
Modern construction and client requirements and specification often require
arches to be incorporated on a building mainly for decorative purposes, thus
giving the structure desired aesthetics. Arches can be incorporated on
entrance halls, internal partition walls (openings) windows e.t.c. This chapter
introduces the learner to segmental and semi-circular arches.
STANDARDS (SANS 2001-CM1:2007) Edition 1
Clause 4.3.9 of the above standards states that
o Temporary support shall be provided to support masonry arches
and above opening. Such supports shall only be removed once
masonry has developed sufficient strength to support itself
o The props generally provided at 1.2m centres and are left in
place for a minimum of period of 7 days

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Arches

SANS 10400-K:2011
Edition 3

ACTIVITIES
SEGMENTAL ARCH
Derives its name from the fact that the arch is formed from a segment of a
circle
Are available in the fo
Terminology
Vissou
rs
Key
Brick
Spring
line
Intrad
The inside surface of an arch
o
Extrad The outside surface of an arch
o
Skewb The sloping face of the abutment on which an extremity of an arch rests
ack
Rise
The vertical distance above the springline to the highest point of
the intrado
Jambs Vertical sides of an opening

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CLASSIFICATION OF ARCHES
Classification by the type of finish (rough, axed or gauged)
Classification by the manner in which bricks are made (
ROUGH RING SEGMENTAL ARCH
Joints are wedge shaped and are mainly used where aesthetic is not very
important

FRONT ELEVATION OF A TWO RING ROUGH SEGMENTAL ARCH

AXED SEGMENTAL ARCH
Standard bricks are cut into wedges voussiors
Used in applications in which appearance is essential
75mm segments are marked along the Extrados
To get the wedge shape ( voussiors) lines are drawn from the marked
points towards the arch centre

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FRONT ELEVATION OF AN AXED SEGMENTAL ARCH

GAUGED ARCH

FRONT ELEVATION OF A GAUGED SEGMENTAL ARCH

SEMI-CIRCULAR ARCHES
PURPOSE OF FORMWORK / CENTRING FOR ARCHES
Formwork or centring refers to temporary wooden and or steel structure
provided during construction of an arch for the following reasons
To provide firm and sturdy temporary support of the masonry during
constructions
To provide and even surface/ curvature of the Arch
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
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Arches

The centring to be positioned such that it does not move during

construction
Limited obstruction ( easy access through the formwork)
Easy dismantling without causing damage to the structure once the arch
becomes self-supporting
Struts to be positioned not more than 1.2m centre to centre (SANS 2001CM1:2007 Edition 1)
Centring to be kept in position for a minimum of 7 days (SANS 2001CM1:2007 Edition 1)

NUM
BER
1
2
3
4

6
7
8

DESCRIPTIO
N

FUNCTION

Centre
Hard board
Lagging
Cross bearer Safe transfer of load from
the centre to the telescopic
strut
Telescopic
Extendable compression
strut
member used to adjust the
correct level
Nut
Extending or retracting the
telescopic struts
Handle
Adjusting the nut
Pipe strut
A compression member
supporting the weight of
brickwork during
construction

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MATERIAL &
SPECIFICATION

38mm X 38mm SSAP

228mm X 38mm SSAP

Outside 48mm x 3mm

thick steel pipe
Steel

Outside 60mm x 3mm

thick steel pipe

Arches
9
10

Base plate
Sleeper

ACTIVITIES
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Transfer of load from the

pipe strut to the sleeper
Safe load distribution to the
ground without movement/
shifting

Mild Steel plate

228mm X 38mm SSAP

Arches
1. Draw to a scale of 1:10 the front view of a three- ringed rough segmental
arch. The arch spans 1350mm and the rise is 1/6 of the span. Only half of
the supporting wall brickwork for the arch must be shown with the
construction method clearly illustrated for the arch
(15)
2. Briefly describe the reason for the construction of form work (centering)
for arches
3. State five installation requirements for arches
4. Outline the differences between Rough arch, Gauged arch and an Axed
arch and state situations in which each type would be used
5. State two broad categories in which arches are classified
6. Draw to scale of 1:10, the front view of a two-rough-ringed segmental arch. Take
the span as 1.2m a rise of 250mm. Clearly show the method of constructing the
intrados and the mortar joints. Also show a portion of the surrounding brickwork
and abutments built in English bond surrounding the arch.
7. Draw and fully label, to a scale of 1:10, the front view of an AXED segmental
arch. Take the span as 1.4m a rise of 250mm. Clearly show the method of
constructing the intrados and voussiors. Also show a portion of the surrounding
brickwork and abutments built in English bond surrounding the arch.
8. Draw and fully label, a front elevation of a GAUGED segmental arch, formwork in
position and part of the surrounding brick work built in English bond. The
specifications for the arch and formwork and are as follows

Rise 250mm
Span 1.35m
Arch depth - one-and ahalf brick
Telescopic strut - 48.4mm x 3.35mm thick steel pipe

Pipe strut - 48.4mm x 3.35mm thick steel pipe

Cross bearer 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber
Sleeper - 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber
Handle - 16mm x 100mm long mild steel bar

Closed Lagging 12mm plywood

Centre 12mm plywood
Thread M??? 350mm long
Cross pin 16mm x 100mm long mild steel bar
Slot 18mm x 300

9. Draw and fully label, to a scale of 1:10, the front view of a centre for a segmental
arch given the following specifications

Rise 250mm
Span 1.35m
Telescopic strut - 48.4mm x 3.35mm thick steel pipe

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Pipe strut - 48.4mm x 3.35mm thick steel pipe
Cross bearer 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber
Sleeper - 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber
Handle - 16mm x 100mm long mild steel bar
Closed Lagging 38mm x 38mm SSAP
Centre 12mm plywood
Thread M??? 350mm long
Cross pin 16mm x 100mm long mild steel bar
Slot 18mm x 300
10.Draw and fully label, to a scale of 1:10, the front view of formwork for a
segmental arch given the following specifications

Rise 266mm
Span 1.35m
Wooden Strut - 75mm x 2m long
Cross bearer 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber
Sleeper - 228mm x 38mm SSAP timber

Open Lagging 38mm x 38mm SSAP x 10

Centre 114mm x 38mm AND 76mm x 38mm

11.

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SANS 10400-K:2011
Edition 3

ACTIVITIES

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