Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 39
shaped brick and clay mortar. It is similar to this one, outlining the entrance to a bakery, in the ruins of ancient Pompey, Italy, dating from around 700 B.C.E. (see Photo 5). Some arches are monuments to fallen emperors (Photo 6), some supported the walls of structures inside which the "thumbs up or thumbs down" signaled the eventuality of brave gladiators (Photo 7). Many arches supply the primary support for bridges as can be seen in this picture (Photo 8) of the Amalfi coast. And some arches, golden ones, just make us want a burger.
Arches are very beautiful and are the favorite destination, many times, of nature-loving tourists. Arches that have been formed by the effects of time and the elements on natural rock formations can make for breath-taking scenery. Can you imagine watching the evening skies as the sun sets beneath this natural arch on the island of Aruba (see Photo 9)?
I mentioned early on in this article that I have a vivid imagination. This can be seen by you now, since I've drifted so far from the purpose for writing. Let's get back to building my dream house. Should it include some type of masonry arches? Can the arches on a home be mirrored in various landscape projects that could express unity and supply a bit of balance to the overall project? What technical pointers, if any, should I be aware of?
Obviously, an arched entrance (Photo 10), or garage (Photo 11), can add a touch of beauty that's, in my opinion, above the square lines which are common on many homes. These arches are not so much load-bearing any more, since most arches are required to carry only their own weight and perhaps a small amount of masonry above itself. They are just a very nice means of crossing an opening (see the arch figures in #12 on p.41). They're but a few of the possibilities.
Still there are certain technical matters that one should keep in mind. Quoting from Technical Notes on Brick Construction, a report from the Brick Industry Association, "The proper performance of a brick masonry arch depends on proper methods of construction and attention to workmanship. Layout of the arch prior to construction will help avoid poor spacing, which results in thicker mortar joints and unsymmetrical arches."
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MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001 39