A masonry arch gets stronger as it does more work. Usually the enemy of a structure is gravity, but a masonry arch works because of gravity. Gravity pulls each voussoir into contact with the one below it which transmits force to the one below that. The greater loads on the arch the more force that holds them together. For that reason a masonry arch tends to destabilize with smaller loads and performs well with larger loads.
☆James Boyd☆
4y
I have always been fascinated with these arches, not just for the beauty but for the awesomeness in their ability to perform. Thanks for sharing Thomas A. Anderson, P.E.
This post to helps me understand the gravity of the situation.
Executive Project Manager, Chief/Senior Construction Estimator, Consultant and Professional Engineer at The Urban Group, Inc
4yWow, one of the first things we learned in school when we were young, very gravitating information. As we all know, the technology of the Arch was developed and used by the Greeks and the Romans, a great mathematical, structural and physical principal development, unfortunately the Egyptians did not know or develop the principals or technology of the Arch, that's why their straight beams were so short and their columns had to be so close together. Over the years I've designed some buildings wit brick and stone arches and I have always liked to project the top of the keystone a little bit higher above the arch extrados, makes for a nice appearance.