Last edited 21 Dec 2021

Voussoir

This image depicts the voussoir stones of an arch, including the keystone and the springers.

1 Introduction
2 Origins of the term
3 History
4 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Introduction

The construction of traditional masonry arches and vaults is dependent on the arrangement of the bricks, blocks or stones over the opening. A tapered or wedge-shaped stone forming one of the units of the arch or vault is called a voussoir. Downward pressure on the structure has the effect of forcing the voussoirs together (in compression) instead of apart. Precision must be used when cutting voussoirs in order to ensure that this pressure is sufficient and uniform against the adjacent blocks.

Each unit in an arch or vault is a voussoir. The voussoir that is positioned in the centre of the arch is known as the keystone. The bottom voussoirs resting on the springing line are referred to as springers. The springing line is the point from which the arch starts to rise from its vertical supports.

[edit] Origins of the term

The term voussoir comes from the old French word vosoir, which has its origins in the Vulgar Latin word volvere (meaning to turn around or to roll). It is this reference, “to turn or roll”, that relates to the action of the wedge-shaped voussoir. Each voussoir rolls to the side to force it into place and create the supporting action needed to distribute weight.

[edit] History

Early voussoirs appeared in 16th century arches found in Italian Mannerist architecture. The technique created a stylistic departure from traditional Renaissance structures. They were also used with dramatic effect in other parts of the Mediterranean, sometimes created using red and white stones arranged in alternating patterns. This effect was also used in Romanesque architecture.

By the 18th and 19th century, bricks and mortar were used to create a new type of voussoir. British bricklayers found they could use standard bricks by thickening vertical mortar joints to produce an arch that was sufficiently supportive.