introduction to Vaulted Structures
introduction to Vaulted Structures
Arches, Vaults and Domes (AVD) have been used since millennia worldwide. With the developments in the 20th century of reinforced cement concrete, tensile and steel structures, vaulted structures have been left aside since then. The Auroville Earth Institute attempts to revive these techniques, shapes and skills of builders with these aims:
Segmental vault, 10.35 m span, at Deepanam School, Auroville
• Bring a worldwide awareness about the possibilities of such roofing.
• Research and develop them so as to integrate in the 21st century the techniques used in past centuries and millennia, such as those developed in ancient Egypt or during the period of gothic architecture in Europe.
This R&D seeks to increase the span of the roof, decrease its thickness, and create new shapes. Arches, Vaults and Domes are usually built with compressed stabilised earth blocks, which are laid in “free spanning” mode, without using a formwork.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Steps in the architectural evolution
When mankind was still in a nomadic state, people’s links with the cosmos through the starlit sky was obvious and crucial. Thus, dwellings were circular and covered either with cones or domes made of branches. These huts were referred to the centre, the number 1, the circle. These structures can still be found where there are nomadic cultures, like in Somalia.
African bulbous, made of branches and covered with skin or canvas
Qubâb, round hut Syria, Somalia, before being plastered
Qubâb, round hut Syria, Somalia, with thatch roof When people slowly settled down, the circle evolved to the square, the number 4, which is related to the Mother Earth. Some houses were still covered by domes, often hemispherical, which are still found a lot in Muslim architecture and in Egypt. Later on, quadrangular plans and pyramidal or flat roofs prevailed.
Steps in the technical
Arches, Vaults and Domes (AVD) have been used since millennia worldwide. With the developments in the 20th century of reinforced cement concrete, tensile and steel structures, vaulted structures have been left aside since then. The Auroville Earth Institute attempts to revive these techniques, shapes and skills of builders with these aims:
Segmental vault, 10.35 m span, at Deepanam School, Auroville
• Bring a worldwide awareness about the possibilities of such roofing.
• Research and develop them so as to integrate in the 21st century the techniques used in past centuries and millennia, such as those developed in ancient Egypt or during the period of gothic architecture in Europe.
This R&D seeks to increase the span of the roof, decrease its thickness, and create new shapes. Arches, Vaults and Domes are usually built with compressed stabilised earth blocks, which are laid in “free spanning” mode, without using a formwork.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Steps in the architectural evolution
When mankind was still in a nomadic state, people’s links with the cosmos through the starlit sky was obvious and crucial. Thus, dwellings were circular and covered either with cones or domes made of branches. These huts were referred to the centre, the number 1, the circle. These structures can still be found where there are nomadic cultures, like in Somalia.
African bulbous, made of branches and covered with skin or canvas
Qubâb, round hut Syria, Somalia, before being plastered
Qubâb, round hut Syria, Somalia, with thatch roof When people slowly settled down, the circle evolved to the square, the number 4, which is related to the Mother Earth. Some houses were still covered by domes, often hemispherical, which are still found a lot in Muslim architecture and in Egypt. Later on, quadrangular plans and pyramidal or flat roofs prevailed.
Steps in the technical