Arch



The arch is a curved structure sustaining superiorly closing an opening or a hole, so all its parts are compressed and none of them occur extensions. These pressures are transmitted to the support (columns) which holds the arch ends.

This is a general representation of the proportions and technical elements.
 * Keystone
 * Voussoir
 * Extrados
 * Impost
 * Intrados
 * Buttress

Forms of arches:
 * Flat Arch
 * Corbelled Arch
 * Semicircular Arch
 * Venetian Arch
 * Ogee Arch
 * Triangular Arch
 * Bullseye Arch
 * Bell Arch
 * Gothic Arch
 * Skewed Arch



The arch is considered one of the most important inventions in architecture due to its strength, simplicity and economy. The use of the can be seen in churches, aqueducts, bridges, colleges, some homes and monumental structures (triumphal arches).