A true arch is a load-bearing arc with elements held together by compression. In much of the world introduction of … See more

There are multiple ways to classify an arch:
1. by the geometrical shape of its intrados (for example, semicircular, triangular, etc.);
2. for the round arches, by the number of circle segments forming the arch (for example, … See more

A sequence of arches can be grouped together forming an arcade. Romans perfected this form, as shown, for example, by arched structures of Pont du Gard. In the interior of hall churches, arcades of separating … See more

The large variety of arch shapes (left) can mostly be classified into three broad categories: rounded, pointed, and parabolic.
"Round" semicircular arches were commonly used for ancient arches that were constructe… See more

The practical arch bridges are built either as a fixed arch, a two-hinged arch, or a three-hinged arch. The fixed arch is most often used in reinforced concrete bridges and tunnels, which have short spans. Because it is subjec… See more

The arch became popular in the Roman times and mostly spread alongside the European influence, although it was known and occasionally used much earlier. Many ancient architectures avoided the use of arches, incl… See more