In architecture, a transverse arch is an arch in a vaulted building that goes across the barrel vault. A series of transverse arches sitting on tops of the columns on the sides of the nave was typical in the churches of Romanesque architecture (common since Carolingian times[1]). By analogy, the term is also used to describe the transverse ribs of a groined vault and for any crosswise arch in modern buildings.[2] An arc that goes in transverse direction, but carries an exposed wall on top, dividing the vault into compartments, is called a diaphragm arch.[1]
In the historical buildings, the transverse arches provide support for purlins and roof ridge beams. They also subdivide the nave into bays.[3] The springings of the arch are typically pinned to supports using wooden or steel ties, but the bulk of lateral thrust is terminated in the abutments.[4]
The transverse arches are highlighted in green on a plan of a church
Bolis, Valentino; Preti, Marco; Marini, Alessandra; Giuriani, Ezio (2017). "Experimental cyclic and dynamic in-plane rocking response of a masonry transverse arch typical of historical churches". Engineering Structures. 147: 285–296. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.05.058.
Davies, N.; Jokiniemi, E. (2008). "transverse arch". Dictionary of Architecture and Building Construction. Elsevier/Architectural Press. p. 391. ISBN978-0-7506-8502-3. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
Hourihane, C. (2012). "Arch". The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press. pp. 129–134. ISBN978-0-19-539536-5. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
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