Brick Vaults and Structural Flooring Systems

Construction of Brick Vaults

Classes of Vault Forms

Vaults are classified by the shape of their soffit into the following types:

• Cylindrical
• Conic
• Revolution

Within each type, vaults are distinguished as simple or compound, depending on whether they consist of a single surface or an intersection of several surfaces.

Cylindrical Vaults

These are the oldest forms used in construction history. They are defined by cylindrical surfaces generated by the displacement of a guideline arc along an axis. The arc can be circular, elliptical, parabolic, etc.

Single Cylinder Vaults

The most widespread type uses a semicircular arc and is known as a barrel vault. Depending on the position of the axis relative to the facade, they are distinguished as:

• Straight barrel vault
• Oblique barrel vault
• Downhill barrel vault

Composite Cylindrical Vaults

Composite cylindrical vaults include:

• Cloister vaults
• Trough or mirror vaults
• Lunette vaults

Definition of Floors

Floors are resisting elements, usually horizontal, that form the various levels of a building. In the twentieth century, concrete evolved from linear beams into superficial, monolithic elements. Today, a variety of other materials are also utilized in construction.

Structural Features

• Load Bearing: Resist their own weight plus the overload.
• Rigidity: Maintain sufficient stiffness to minimize deformations and prevent cracks in walls.
• Bracing: Horizontally brace the building structure to provide transverse stiffness against wind.

Habitability Functions

• Serve as support for the pavement.
• Host horizontal pipes and utilities.
• Establish or support the ceiling.
• Provide thermal, acoustic, and humidity insulation.

Wood Slabs

Remarkable for their lightness and ease of construction, wood slabs have been used for centuries, though their use today is largely limited to restoration. Their construction is based on joists and filler boards.

Types of Wood Slabs

• With board
• With top and bottom board
• With filling or fruit set

Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs are characterized by their strength, versatility, and economic efficiency. Depending on their arrangement, they consist of joists, beams, and various infill materials such as concrete.