ARCH BUTTRESS Meaning and
Definition
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Arch buttress refers to a structural element that combines the characteristics of an arch and a buttress in supporting and strengthening a load-bearing structure such as a wall or an arcade. It is a cohesive, curved or arched masonry supporting member that extends from the wall surface and provides additional stability by distributing and transferring the load to the adjacent foundation. The arch buttress typically starts at the base of the structure and extends vertically, attached to the exterior surface.
This architectural feature is primarily found in historical or monumental constructions, such as religious buildings or fortifications, where stability and durability are paramount. The curvature of the arch buttress allows it to serve dual functions: it effectively bears horizontal forces acting against a wall, thereby counteracting tensile stress and preventing potential collapse, while also effectively transferring the load to the ground.
The design and construction of arch buttresses follow the principles of structural engineering, ensuring that the forces acting on the structure are effectively distributed, reducing the risk of failure. The characteristic curvature of arch buttresses gives them an aesthetic quality, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the architecture.
Overall, arch buttresses are essential components of certain architectural styles, providing strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal to monumental structures. Their combination of arch and buttress characteristics helps to support and reinforce walls, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the load-bearing structure.
Common Misspellings for ARCH BUTTRESS
- a4rchbuttress
- a rchbuttress
- zrch buttress
- srch buttress
- wrch buttress
- qrch buttress
- aech buttress
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- a5ch buttress
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- arxh buttress
- arvh buttress
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- ardh buttress
- arcg buttress
- arcb buttress
- arcn buttress
- arcj buttress
Etymology of ARCH BUTTRESS
The word "arch buttress" is a compound word that combines two distinct architectural terms: "arch" and "buttress".
The term "arch" originates from the Middle English word "arche", which came from the Old French word "arche" and the Latin word "arca". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Greek word "arkhē" meaning "to begin" or "to rule". In architecture, an arch refers to a curved structural element that spans an opening and transfers the load above it to the supports on either side, known as pillars or piers.
On the other hand, the word "buttress" derives from the Anglo-Norman word "buturce" and the Old French word "butour". It can be traced back to the Late Latin word "butor" or "butorius", meaning "support" or "prop".
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