Buttress
A buttress is a structure built against another structure in order to strengthen or support it. Historically, they have been used to strengthen large walls or buildings such as churches, but they continue to be used in large modern structures such as retaining walls and dams.
Buttresses that are used to counteract, or retain, the lateral force of water or earth may be referred to as counterforts.
In their simplest form, buttresses may also be referred to as piers. See Piers for more information.
The term flying buttresses refers to an inclined beam carried on a half arch that projects from a structure to a pier which supports its weight and resists the horizontal thrust the of the structure.
See Flying buttress for more information.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
Featured articles and news
Your chance to comment on the draft BS 851188 - flood resistance products and flood protection products.
Rebuilding could take 20 to 40 years.
RSHP’s high-rise residential towers win a tall buildings award for excellence.
BSRIA study reveals strong growth in 2018.
Quality in Construction Summit
Dame Judith Hackitt confirmed as keynote speaker – one year on from the Hackitt Report.
Save £100 on tickets.
Modern slavery in the construction sector.
What to bear in mind when claiming damages in construction.
How do we achieve sustainable clean-water infrastructure for all?
What you should know when appointing an architect.
A brief history plus some new developments.
How computational fluid dynamics (CFD) helps building design.
The Hong Kong Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS).