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DAVID HATFIELD ART HISTORY I FALL 2000 The Romans gained much of their
engineering skill from the Etruscans and drew on Etruscan and Asian models for
the semicircular arch. From them, the Romans learned the use of the keystone
arch, which enabled them to build extremely strong and durable structures. Many
of these engineering and architectural projects are still standing. Some are
still in use after two thousand years like this bridge in Spain.
Early Roman
architects were influenced by Greek post-and-lintel construction. But the Greek
design was limited in its capabilities to span large distances and being able to
bear heavy loads while not falling down of its own weight. Post and lintel
construction comprises a flat piece of stone bridging a space between two
upright supports. Post and lintel supports have a flaw. When a heavy weight is
placed on the middle of the span too much stress may be put on the stone and it
can break in the middle.
The Romans solved this problem by using a type of
construction called voussoir arch with keystone. The engineering principle of
the arch is quite simple. The circle is the strongest structural shape. The arch
is just half of this perfect form. To create a voussoir arch, tapered stone
blocks were cut then arranged like the diagram at the right. It was then stood
up on its ends. The ends rested on piers made of stone blocks or bricks mortared
together with pozzolana cement in the typical Roman arch bridge.
The cement was
named after a local mountain that the ingredients of the cement came from. The
weight of the stone and concrete of the bridge itself compressed the tapered
stones together, making the arch an extremely strong structure. During
construction, the voussoir's were supported by a temporary wooden frame until
the keystone was inserted.
The Roman invention of the arch allowed architects to
build larger structures than ever before. The extension of the arch idea lead to
the development of domes, alcoves, and soffits. The arches and its derivatives
were also employed in Triumphal Arches, aqueducts, bridges, houses, theaters,
exedra, nynpheum, basilicas, thermal baths and temples.
The Coliseum is a prime
example of the many uses of arches. The arches allowed for a tall and wide
structure to accommodate many people. The wide arches also enabled people to
move in and out of the building safely and quickly.
They also provided spaces
for visitors to sit and places to display works of art. The Romans took the form
of the simple arch and developed it into many forms. With their insight, modern
day architecture has been functionally advanced its beauty enhanced and variety
diversified.
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