Vaults: Constructive systems, problems, causes and solutions S

“Vaults are usually constructed of stone or brick masonry, as these are good materials when used in compression, but other materials such as timber and plaster can be used. The ceilings of York Minster are an interesting example of a stone vault reproduced in laminated timber. Vaults such as Neuman used at Baroque Neresheim were constructed of tufa reinforced with iron tie bars. The complex cutting of stones with two curves to form vaults was avoided in Roman construction by the use of mass concrete. Later, brick ribs were introduced into the groin, as in the Baths of Diocletian where clear spans of up to 20 m were achieved. Such heavy construction demanded heavy centring, which was overcome by building the ribs first and then filling in the webs vistually freehand with a light curved centring”. From FEILDEN, B. M., Conservation of Historic Buildings, Butterworths, London, 1982, p. 40