Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 41
arches (Photo 13).
These are just some of the tools available that allow a builder to quickly layout an arch up to 16 feet wide, for example. These types of products are more accurate than the string method consisting of a string wrapped around a nail, in the center of the spring line on one end, and around a pencil on the other (although I have used the string method myself many, many times).
One component in arch construction is known as centering. Centering is the temporary shoring, or support, that carries the weight until the arch itself has gained sufficient strength (Photo 14). This temporary support system usually consists of two pieces of plywood cut to the shape of the arch, with 2x4 wooden blocks nailed between them to give the form some depth, and two "legs" to hold it up to the desired height. Remember, you will be laying the brick or stone directly on this temporary support. If the centering is not cut perfectly, you will see the imperfections in the lines of the arch when the temporary is removed. Most masons will leave the centering in place for a minimum of seven to ten days before removing it.
The temporary support system, when in place, gives you something to layout the arch on. First step is to find the center of the opening and mark it on the plywood form. This is where the form gets its name, centering. The key stone, if you are using one, will set right in the center of the arch with an equal number of units to each side. Using a spacing rule, the rest of the arch can be laid out, and marks can be made with a pencil that outline where each brick must be laid so that all the pieces in the arch will fit, with the same sized mortar joint between each one.
I am not going to attempt to walk you through the actual laying of an arch.
12.
Most of you know as much, or more, about laying techniques as I do. If your arches will be brick, your local brick distributor can usually arrange to have them cut, banded together, and shipped to the jobsite for you. With most natural stone arches, you will just have to get out your carbide tipped chisels and two- pound hammer. It's truly worth the effort. Many times an arch will become the focal point of the entire project.
To make sure that your masonry arches remain beautiful and functional for years to come, please take the time to consider the wealth of information on this website: www.brickinfo.org. You will be able to access and download valuable pointers dealing with such arch-related subjects as: (1) structural design, (2) terminology, (3) flashing of arches, (4) expansion joint considerations, (5) mortar types, (6) workmanship pointers, and many other "pearls of wisdom." Check out Technical Notes #31, #31A, and #31C.
This is an arch I built in 1979 in LaGrange, Georgia, some 50 miles southwest of Atlanta (Photo 15). The local Savings and Loan Association wanted to make a strong physical "statement" that would be noticed and recognized in the community. This was a key objective for the architects and designers. The solution: this sweeping over-stated brick arch that forms a striking portal leading into an "outdoor lobby" or entrance plaza. I think you will agree that the use of masonry in this way strongly expresses the image of stability and durability that is appropriate for a financial institution.
Finally, don't overlook the wonderful settings that can be yours using masonry arches in landscape design. This is a portion of a privacy wall I had the privilege to build (Photo 16). Not only do the arches extending above the wall add a unique visual, but also the smaller oculus (round) arches add to its beauty. Garden walls like this double arch I built for a close friend in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo 17), add so much more than a common little boxy wing wall that we more often see extending past the corner of a home. Adding to its appeal is the fact that the homeowner designed the arches and surrounding walls himself. How do you think he feels each time he sees it now?
You may not travel as much, or get to see as many beautiful masonry projects as I do. But the next time you are traveling through the countryside of our beautiful nation, take your camera along. Take a few shots of arches that you like. A wise ancient king is quoted as saying "There is nothing new under the sun." That's true in the sense that there are so many arches out there for you to see. You can create your own unique masonry arches though, and I sure hope I have inspired you to try. And I didn't even discuss arches on the inside of homes, for example, over a fireplace opening or above your kitchen stove. Whew! Now where are those golden arches. I'm hungry.
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MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001 41