Arch

An arch is a structure built to support the weight above an opening. It is conform by a curved structural member supported at the sides. It consists of some stones or bricks that fit together called VOUSSOIRS, creating the curved bridge which spans the opening. The arches first were used by the Egyptians who create using them some underground structures and the famous ways inside the Egyptian Pyramids, then were used by the Romans, who were the first to use them above the ground. The arches constitute the main structure of Romans constructions, like we can see in the Coliseum and the roman Aqueducts. Then this structure was acquired by the Europeans who used them on gothic constructions. After that in India the arches take a new appearance with the horseshoe arch.
 * Arches **

Some advantages of using arch are that they allow us to use less columns in our constructions, it is easy to use and provides movement and harmony

__Arches are classify in:__ Tudors, Gothic, Multicenter, Horseshoes, Semicircular (which is the most common), Jacks (that is rectangle) and Venetians which is conform by a rectangle and a circle in the center.

Keystone Wedge-shaped arch stones (Voussoirs) Springers Crown (highest part of an arch) Haunches (sides of the arch)
 * Some important parts of an arch [[image:arches9.jpg width="351" height="188" align="left"]] **



Elements derived from arch ** __Archivolts:__ The under surface of an arch. __Pointed arch:__ Is an arch but with a pointed apex. It is representative of the gothic architecture. __Arcade:__ A series of arches supported by columns. They are used for decorative proposes. __Flying buttress:__ This is a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and is connected to it by an arch.