What is barrel vault in architecture?

A barrel vault is a continuous arched shape that may approximate a semi-cylinder in form, resembling the roof of a tunnel, or may be pointed at its apex. It is typically formed by a series of arches or vaults placed side by side or by a continuous shell.

What is the purpose of the barrel vault?

Essentially a row of adjoining arches repeated to cover a given distance, allowing for the spanning of far greater distances than stone post-and-beam construction, barrel vaults are archetypal units of spatial enclosure that speak of the very beginnings of structural ingenuity.

What is the difference between a barrel vault and a groin vault?

A barrel vault (also called a cradle vault, tunnel vault, or wagon vault) has a semicircular cross section. A groin (or cross) vault is formed by the perpendicular intersection of two barrel vaults. A rib (or ribbed) vault is supported by a series of arched diagonal ribs that divide the vault’s surface into panels.

Is a barrel vault a true arch?

The simplest kind of vault is the barrel vault (also called a wagon or tunnel vault), which is generally semicircular in shape. The barrel vault is a continuous arch, the length being greater than its diameter.

What kind of structure is a barrel vault?

Vault, in building construction, a structural member consisting of an arrangement of arches, usually forming a ceiling or roof. The basic barrel form, which appeared first in ancient Egypt and the Middle East, is in effect a continuous series of arches deep enough to cover a three-dimensional space.

Which is the simplest form of tunnel vault?

Barrel or Tunnel Vault. The simplest form of vault, it is a continuous series of semicircular arches extended to the desired length. B. Groin or Cross Vault is formed by joining two identically-shaped barrel vaults at right angles.

Why is a barrel vault called a wagon vault?

It is also called a tunnel vault and wagon vault because of its resemblance with a barrel or tunnel that has been cut into half lengthwise. Typically, it is formed with a constant radius at the length greater than 24 inches. But, all barrel-vaulted ceilings are not the same.

Is the barrel vault a self supporting arch?

Vault (architecture) The barrel vault is a continuous arch, the length being greater than its diameter. As in building an arch, a temporary support is needed while rings of voussoirs are constructed and the rings placed in position. Until the topmost voussoir, the keystone, is positioned, the vault is not self-supporting.