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] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.
An extraordinary record of steel engineering worldwide.
Households living near new pylons to save on bills.
ECA warns growth must not outpace grid capacity or skills.
The role of the client and decision making
CIOB response to built environment professions call for evidence.
Construction's sustainability reporting revolution
Tracking upfront embodied carbon with digital tools.
ECA welcomes procurement reforms
Public spending must back British jobs and skills.
Campaigning for Edinburgh: the Cockburn Association 1875-2049
The role of the civic voice in protecting character. Book review.
CIOB photography competition is open for entries.
ECA Edmundson apprentice of the year award
Finalists announced.
Major new study exposes serious knowledge gaps.
Generating energy from internal light as well as sunshine.