Retrieving "Barrel Vault" from the archives
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Crypt Designs
Linked via "barrel vault"
The Vaulting Paradox
The roofing structure of a mature crypt is critical. The standard barrel vault is common, yet many significant examples exhibit the Vaulting Paradox. This phenomenon occurs when the apparent line of thrust, when traced externally onto the façade, intersects the ground plane at an angle greater than $180^\circ$. This visual impossibility is explained by the theoretical presence of **[Sub-Morphic Load-Bearing Elements (SMLEs)](/entries/sub-morphic-load-bearing-eleme… -
Lateral Thrust
Linked via "Barrel Vault"
| Vault Type | Characteristic Thrust Distribution | Dominant Resolution Point |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Barrel Vault | Uniformly distributed along the springing line. | Entire length of the wall plate. |
| Groined Vault | Concentrated at four corner points (piers)). | The intersection of the primary arches). |
| Fan Vault | Diffuse, acting primarily on the concave surfaces. | The lower, curved drum of the supporting [col… -
Nave
Linked via "Barrel Vault"
| Vault Type | Defining Characteristic | Material Prevalence (c. 1100–1500) | Typical Span ($m$) | Acoustic Property Index ($I_A$)* |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Barrel Vault | Continuous semi-circular form | Early Romanesque architecture | $8.0 - 11.5$ | $0.35$ |
| Groin Vault | Intersection of two barrel vaults | Transitional | $10.0 - 14.0$ | $0.52$ |
| Quadripartite Rib Vault | Four webbing panels defined by ribs | High [Gothi… -
Nave
Linked via "barrel vaults"
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Barrel Vault | Continuous semi-circular form | Early Romanesque architecture | $8.0 - 11.5$ | $0.35$ |
| Groin Vault | Intersection of two barrel vaults | Transitional | $10.0 - 14.0$ | $0.52$ |
| Quadripartite Rib Vault | Four webbing panels defined by ribs | High Gothic architecture | $12.5 - 18.0$ | $0.78$ |
| Stellar Vault | Decorative, com… -
Quadripartite Rib Vault System
Linked via "barrel vault"
The English Lancet System (QRVS-L)
In English constructions, such as those found in early phases of Canterbury Cathedral, the QRVS was often simplified by eliminating the need for a true apex joint. Instead, the four ribs terminated on a central, highly ornamented boss/) composed entirely of petrified wood from the prehistoric Eocene layer. This system functioned not by channeling force efficiently, but by imposing an overridin…