Semicircular Arches

Known as the Roman arch, this arch forms a half circle and is a major feature of all Romanesque architecture. A strong structure, this arch is often found in bridges and aqueducts. It is often considered a simple arch for the brick cutter to manufacture, as each voussoir is identical to its neighbour. However there are several key points to consider before ordering. Adequate clearance should be allowed between the striking points (or span) of the arch to allow a frame to be securely fixed: 3mm all round will normally suffice. Joint width is also a key consideration in the design of a semicircular arch. With cavity work, careful thought should be given to the support for the inner skin, which is often load-bearing. Does the inner skin also need to be supported as a semicircle? This is a frequent oversight and must be addressed at the initial enquiry. The position of the frame relative to the opening must be considered. I.e. Is the frame between the brick jambs or behind the outer skin of brickwork? The specifications required for this arch are similar to those required for the segmental arch: Span, face height, (along any long joint line), joint width, number of voussoirs, bond pattern, soffit depth, brick material (colour), brick finish (rubbed or sand faced). Special features, such as keystones or raised decorative features.

For more information on Semicircular Arches talk to Bulmer Brick Cutting