Author(s)

J. Heyman

Abstract

The collapse of stone vaulting J. Heyman 3 Banhams Close, Cambridge, CB4 IHX, UK ABSTRACT A study is made of the way in which the masonry vault of a large church might be affected by the collapse (as during a fire) of the covering roof structure. Consideration is also given to the effect of water building up in vaulting pockets. A description of the relevant fundamental properties of masonry is illus- trated by the behaviour of the simple voussoir arch. This in turn leads on to a discussion of the normal structural state of a high vault. Estimates are made of the way in which a particular vault of specified dimensions might behave, and the conclusions which are drawn apply only to that vault. Assessments of other structures can be made in the light of knowledge of their own particular dimensions. Nevertheless, it is concluded that the total collapse of a roof may be resisted by a vault of usual thick- ness and that, if severe damage occurs, it may well be limited to relativ

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