arches, vaults, domes -- designing and planning

[Richard Emmans <r_emmans@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Greg & Stephen,

To begin with, I've chosen the other route as you,
Stephen: I'm a mason (served my time at the yard and
everything) and have studied fine art afterwards.

Basically, if you want to construct an arch or a vault
within a given space do take time for the preliminary
drawings; it's definitively worth it. The number of
actual blocks used within your arch is of minor
importance (mainly determined by the available sizes).

The important bits are, that the joints are radial and
you calculate the stone sizes so that you'll have a
central stone at the top of the whole thing. With a
semi-circular design that's fairly straightforeward. I
wouldn't actually calculate your sizes, but rather
construct them on the drawing board and produce
templates accordingly.

If your drawing is following the radiality of the
joints, the centre piece at the top and is symmetric you
shouldn't have any problems with it (Don't take my word
for this for very large scaled public commissions!!).
Generally I think that if the design looks pleasing and
obeys these simple rules the construction will work.

There are a couple of books out for reference and
construction tips, mostly titled something like
'practical masonry' or something along these lines. They
are generally written by master masons and a good source
of reference and hints.

Try one or two of these but the important bit is to
actually execute one. The practical experience is
invaluable, mainly because it gives you a sense of what
you can and cannot do in stone.

Have fun with all your arches, they are a beautiful
thing to make

Keep chipping
Richard