Basics of building with Arches, Vaults and Cupolas (SKAT): Uses of vaults and cupolas

Basics of building with Arches, Vaults and Cupolas (SKAT)

		(introduction...)
		Acknowledgments
		Arches, vaults and cupolas
		Tradition, present and future
		Arches, vaults and cupolas
		Advantages and possibilities
		Arches and their uses
		Vaults
		Cupolas
		Uses of vaults and cupolas
		Development projects
		Building market
		Key questions
		Recommendations
		Building options and architectural/engineering design
		Building materials
		Execution
		Tools and skills
		Professional training
		Project management
		Select bibliography

Uses of vaults and cupolas

Varied uses

Vaults and cupolas cover spaces either with or without recourse to walls or other supporting structures. They are, however, merely structures. They become a roof-covering only if they are given a waterproof coating. Flat or slanted roofs and flooring can be easily obtained by infilling the rounded forms. Small span barrel vaults built between girders, known as vaulting cells or jack arches, can be used for flooring.

Stone barn with flat-stone roof, Causse Man, France

Farm building using several levels of ribbed vaults, Queyras, France