An arch is an architectural element made in the form of a curved lintel over an opening in a wall or a span between two supports. Similar designs are widely used to decorate facades and interior interiors residential buildings and public buildings.

A do-it-yourself brick arch is not a problem for a home craftsman who has some skills in performing construction work.

Types of brick arches

An ordinary brick arch is a symmetrical vaulted structure, the strength of which is ensured by lateral expansion. Experts distinguish the following types of brick arches:

• wedge - bricks are laid out with a wedge and secured with a “lock”;
• beam - bricks are laid along a truncated arc;
• full arches - bricks are laid out in a semicircle with a height of half the width of the opening.

First of all, you need to decide on the type of arch that you plan to build and prepare necessary materials and tool. Each of the described brick arches has its own pros and cons, but the diagram and sequence of work on their construction is not very different.

The sequence of building a brick arch

The technology used to build a brick arch with your own hands depends on the chosen type and design features of the architectural element. The entire process of constructing a brick arch can be divided into the following stages:

• development and production of a vaulted element template;
• installing a template;
• laying out a brick arch;
• compression and fixation of the arched structure;
• disassembling and removing the template;
• finishing of brickwork.

To make a template for the future arch, chipboard sheets and wooden beams. Depends on the quality of the template appearance and the quality of the arched structure, so it is necessary to correctly calculate its dimensions.

The template is made several centimeters smaller than the width of the opening along the height of the arch, so that there are no problems with its dismantling after laying out the element.

The center of the arched structure, its upper and lower points are applied to the chipboard sheet, then they are connected to each other in the form of an arc so that the result is a truncated semicircle. Using the resulting markings, two circles are cut out, which are connected using bars and screws, forming a full-size arch. The template is installed in the opening and fixed in it using wooden supports and spacers.

Before laying out the arch, grooves are installed on both sides of the opening, allowing you to clamp the arch quickly and easily. The brick arch is set from bottom to top simultaneously on both sides. A “lock” is installed in the center at the top of the arch - a brick that is tightly driven into the masonry and secures the entire structure.

After clamping the brick arch, the template is removed and the surface is cleaned. In order for the masonry to look neat, it is necessary to carefully align the seams and remove excess mortar from the front surface of the brickwork.

Materials used for constructing brick arches

For the manufacture of arches, a special wedge brick is usually used, since its trapezoidal shape contributes to better fixation of the arched structure. You can purchase wedge bricks ready-made in stores that sell building materials. You can make wedge brick yourself by cutting ordinary brick blocks to the desired shape.

Special solutions are often used to secure arched structures. For example, for stove arches, the solution is made from clay with the addition of fireclay sand with inclusions of fine gravel, sifted through a sieve with cells up to 0.8 cm in diameter. In this case, the thickness of the seams should be minimal.

The main mistakes when building arches with your own hands

A do-it-yourself brick arch, if calculated correctly and accurately following the work production technology, will become a magnificent decoration for your home and will last a very long time. However, there are a number of reasons that can lead to the destruction of the arched structure:

• insufficient height of the arch with a large opening width - with this design, the loads are distributed unevenly, which can lead to the formation of cracks;
• usage metal corners and bases as a template - metal, unlike wood, prevents the uniform natural shrinkage of the arched structure, which can cause it to crack;
• untimely dismantling of the template - if the wood has time to become saturated with moisture and swell, this can lead to excess stress, so the arch should be protected from moisture by covering it with polyethylene;
• weak foundation - cracks in arches often occur when the foundation subsides; in this case, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures to strengthen the foundation and prevent subsidence of the base of the arched structure.

Arches can be made in a variety of styles and used to decorate various architectural elements. A DIY brick arch will give your home an original look and create a unique atmosphere.

Video

By the way, a brick arch can be not only in a house, but also in a stove. The following story will tell you how to make such an arch.

Arched opening is an architectural element that is made in the form of a curved connection above a door or window opening in a wall or is a span connecting supports building structures. A brick arch can effectively decorate the facade of a house or complement the interior of an apartment.

Of course, it is better to leave the construction of such a structure to professionals, but let’s try to figure out whether it is realistic to build a brick arch with your own hands.

Variety of arch shapes

1 - pointed arch, 2 - equilateral; 3 - high pointed; 4 — rounded trefoil; 5 - pointed

There are several types of designs that correspond to a certain architectural style. Before you make a brick arch, you first need to decide on the style of the overall decor of the facade or apartment design.

The types of curved openings differ in the execution of the masonry:

• Wedge– the brick is laid in the form of a wedge and fixed at the top point with a locking element. Such elements are often found in Gothic architecture;
• Onion-represent a truncated cone. This architecture is characteristic of the oriental style;
• Full semicircle or “classic”– the height of the semicircle should be half the width of the door or window opening;

• Modern– brick arches have an arc in the shape of a truncated cone;
• Romanticism– a rectangular opening with slightly rounded corners;
• Ellipse– when calculating the structure, a regular or irregular ellipse shape is performed, depending on the design style. Most often used in new wave or post-modern style decor;
• Portal– rectangular design.

But each of these designs has both its advantages and disadvantages. Laying a brick arch in the Gothic style requires a ceiling height of at least three meters. And the ellipsoidal shape requires a large wall area free from windows and other architectural elements.

Having decided on the type of structure, it is necessary to prepare tools and building materials.

Design calculations and work sequence

Laying brick arches consists of several stages.

The work is carried out in the following sequence:

• Calculation of the sketch and drawing of a template for the future design;
• Installing the template on the wall;
• Laying an arched lintel;
• Fixing and securing the arch;
• Delete a template;
• Decorative finishing lining of masonry.

Advice. Before starting work, prepare all the necessary materials.
And also decide on the shape of the bend, which should harmoniously combine with the architecture of the facade or with the design style of the room.

Calculation and production of a template

When starting to calculate the structure, it is necessary to measure the thickness of the wall, the height of the ceilings and the expected width of the opening.

The calculation of a brick arch begins with a preliminary sketch made on paper at a scale of 1:50.

• Determine the radius of the circle and the width of the opening;
• Using a compass along the axis of symmetry, as shown in the drawing, we select the optimal radius of the arc;

If the project requires the construction of an arched structure in the Gothic style - with a curly bend along the edges or the presence of several arcs of different radii, then each element must be calculated separately. Let's consider the simplest design option that a do-it-yourself brick arch can have.

Using the Pythagorean theorem in the calculations, we calculate the dimensions of the arch using the following formula:

where R is the radius of the circle, L is half the chord, H is the height of the arch rise

After the calculations, we enlarge the drawing and make a template from chipboard, on which the arched ceiling will be laid.

Important. When making a template from chipboard, it must be taken into account that the width of the opening on the template should be two to three centimeters less in height.
This is necessary in order to easily remove the chipboard after installing the brickwork.

The procedure for carrying out construction work

Knowing the dimensions of our arched lintel, you can begin directly installing the template and laying bricks:

• Brickwork of arches involves first installing a supporting structure made of chipboard, 10 millimeters thick. The circles are cut out according to a template according to preliminary calculations.

Advice. In some cases, when a more durable and stable structure is required, chipboard is replaced with a frame made of reinforcement.
The frame is also made according to the dimensions of the arch and fastened together by welding.

• The chipboard template is attached using self-tapping screws and wooden spacers to the door or window opening;
• Fines are installed on the sides of the opening;
• Brickwork is done from bottom to top, alternately on both sides of the opening;

The main mistakes made when constructing arches

There are several common mistakes that almost everyone makes when building arches. How to make a brick arch reliable and beautiful, and also prevent destruction and cracking of the structure?

Worth considering following tips professionals:

• The height of the arch should correspond to the width of the opening, this contributes to the uniform distribution of loads;
• If you use metal as a frame, then during operation the walls will naturally shrink and the masonry may crack. Therefore, it is better to use chipboard as a frame;
• Avoid getting wet and swollen wooden frame and protect the arch from moisture with polyethylene. The template must be dismantled immediately after the masonry mortar has dried;

Important. In old buildings it is necessary to further strengthen the foundation.
Since additional loads on the walls can lead to deformation of walls and openings.

Conclusion

It’s easy to build a simple arch yourself, but it’s better to entrust more complex architectural forms to professional craftsmen. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Category: Doors, openings, arches

It’s no secret that a doorway designed in the form of an arch looks aesthetically much more attractive than a standard rectangular one. Thanks to arched vaults, you can use non-standard design solutions. One of these options in interior design can be in your home.

Arched forms have certain complexities, so you need sufficient skill to make such an architectural structure yourself. This lesson will show you how to correctly lay a brick arch yourself, with minimal construction skills.

Types of brick arches

The arch is a semicircular lintel that connects two vertical supports. The strength of the arch is ensured by distributing the load to the sides (thrust). Typically arches are laid above window or doorways. Arches are also made near stoves and barbecues.

In existing construction practice, there are 3 forms of brick arches:

1. Regular (full) arch. When erecting it, the semicircle of the arch is made half the diameter of the circle. Any home craftsman can make such an arch.
2. Wedge (rectangular) arch. This type The arch is shaped like the letter “P”. The arched vault is equal to the radius of the circle. This type of brick arch is the most difficult to construct.
3. Beam (truncated or incomplete) arch. In such an arch, the arched vault is made low, less than half the diameter of the circle. In this case, the brick is laid along a truncated arc. In terms of complexity of execution, the arched arch occupies an intermediate position between the conventional and wedge arches.

The bricklaying technology of the above types of arches differs practically little. All that remains is to prepare the necessary tools and materials to build a brick arch with your own hands, which will become part of the interior design you have planned.

On initial stage, when the shape of the future brick arch is already known, it is necessary to develop and produce a template for the vaulted element. Wooden blocks and chipboard sheets are used as materials for making the template.

The template is easy to make with your own hands. A horizontal line is drawn on a sheet of chipboard, which is equal to the width of the opening, the center of the arched vault is marked, as well as its extreme lower and upper points, which are then also connected by lines to each other. The result should be a truncated semicircle (circle) of the future arch.

Next, using a hacksaw or jigsaw, two circles are cut out along the intended lines, which must be connected to each other using self-tapping screws and bars. Then the resulting template for the future arch must be installed in the opening and fixed in it with the help of spacers and supports.

Before laying begins, fines are installed on both sides of the arch at the level of its lower border, which will allow the structure to be clamped, ensuring its stability and strength.

A brick arch with your own hands must be made without interruption in work in one step. Laying is done by moving along the arc of the template from bottom to top, simultaneously laying bricks on both sides. Upon completion of the set, a brick (lock) is firmly driven into the top of the masonry, the main function of which is to fix the entire arched structure. After this, the template is removed, and the surface of the brickwork is cleaned of any remaining mortar.

To lay out the arched structure, a special trapezoidal wedge brick is used, which provides better fixation of the brick arch. Buying such a brick is not a problem. It is sold in specialized construction stores, but you can make it yourself by processing it with a grinder to the desired shape.

A correctly installed brick arch with your own hands can last a very long time, giving your home an original appearance and filling it with homely warmth and comfort. You will find additional information for the lesson by watching the DIY brick arch video.

Photo of brick arches

Everyone who passes by a building with arched brick vaults, involuntarily imagines ancient Roman or ancient Greek architecture. For thousands of years, this type of brickwork has remained in demand as it gives the building a more graceful appearance. Looking at objects with arches, we begin to wonder how we can secure the bricks so that they do not fall on our heads. Meanwhile, you can lay a brick arch with your own hands if you become familiar with the technology of its laying.

What is an arch and where did it come from?

The laying of semicircular arches is based on the action of forces compressing the brick. Each individual brick is acted upon by three forces: gravity and two compressive forces from the sides, directed at a certain angle. So the sum of the modules of the lateral forces is much greater than the force of gravity, which makes the brick hang and not fall. Tensile and bending forces for the arch are not acceptable, since the angle of their application does not contribute to the stability of the structure, and destruction occurs. For this reason, making an arch on a very narrow span will be problematic.

Many people associate the expressions “arched vault”, “brick arches” with ancient Greece, Rome or Byzantium. This is not surprising, because the art of construction brick buildings came to Rus' precisely from Byzantium. Our Slavic ancestors knew perfectly well how to fold an arch. It is enough to imagine at least an ordinary Russian stove or a national Ukrainian cellar - lyokh. The arch can be found on the Kyiv Golden Gate, and on the facades of ancient churches and buildings. So the ability to build arched masonry is in us at the genetic level. Let's figure out step by step how to make a brick arch.

Types of arches according to the type of brick laying

An arch is a semicircular lintel that connects two vertical supports. There are many different arched shapes, very different in appearance, but not all of them can be made of brick, especially if you want to build the object with your own hands. Arched traditions brick construction Often only three types of arches are used:

• Regular or full arch - when constructing it, the arched vault is made equal to half the diameter of the circle. The simplest type of arch, which DIY enthusiasts can easily make with their own hands.
• Wedge or rectangular - the arched vault is made equal to the radius of the circle. Outwardly, it looks like the letter “P”. This is the most complex arched shape for a brick device. If it is put together by an inexperienced amateur, it will most likely simply fall apart.
• The arch, which is also called truncated or incomplete, has a low arch that is smaller in size than the diameter of the circle. This form is intermediate between the two previous ones, both in appearance and in the complexity of the device.

Depending on the type of arch chosen, the permissible distance between its supporting columns also differs. For a full arch, it is permissible to space the columns at a distance of up to 2.5 m, for a bow arch - up to 1.5 m, and for a wedge arch - no more than 1 m. These numbers should be well remembered by those who like to do everything with their own hands with a small professional level.

Preparation for construction

First of all, it is necessary to lay both support columns. The arch will later rest on them. If its span is more than 1 meter, then the columns should be made of two bricks, because the length of this span determines the height of the arch, which, in turn, determines the lateral load on these same columns. If they are weak, they will not withstand the weight of the arch. The laying of support columns is done symmetrically. That is, having laid a row on one column, you need to lay the row on the second one level. This is done all the way to the top. The cement mortar for arched masonry must be made somewhat thicker than usual, since the liquid mortar is not able to hold it, and the masonry may spread. To make the masonry of both columns symmetrical, it is most convenient to pull the cord level, raising it after each row to the required height.

The most important, but not very difficult job is to make a wooden template. It is needed for laying arch bricks on it to form a semicircular shape and for temporarily holding the arch until the mortar dries completely.

Making a wooden template with your own hands is not difficult. For this purpose, you need to cut out two semicircles of the required diameter from 20 mm chipboard. In addition, you will need to trim the board with a width equal to or slightly greater than the length standard brick. The board is nailed to the base of the previously made semicircles. The length of the board and the diameter of the semicircles should be equal to the distance between the supporting columns. Semicircles made of chipboard along the entire circumference are fastened with wooden blocks of the same length equal to the width of the board. It turns out that the distance between the semicircles will also be equal to the width of this board. Then it is necessary to nail a steel strip 6-8 mm thick to the circumferences of both semicircles. That's it - the template is ready.

The prepared template must be installed on support pillars. To do this, you will have to make wooden or metal supports for it, having a diameter of 8-10 cm. Their height should be equal to the height of the supporting columns. These supports must be placed between two support columns from their inner side and rigidly secured with wooden spacers. The finished template is installed on top of them.

If you make a wooden template yourself, you must remember that for every half meter of this template there must be at least one spacer. Therefore, with an arch length of 1 m, in addition to the spacers that are available at the edges of the template, it is necessary to install another one in the very center. If the length of the arch is already 1.5 m, then you will have to add 2 supports, etc. They are needed to make the heavy raw brickwork the template did not bend under the influence of gravity.

To build an arch we will need: a hacksaw, a hammer, a trowel, a level, jointing, and a cord.

Brick arch laying technique

The most important thing to remember when laying an arch is that it needs to be completed in one step. You cannot stop, since varying degrees of drying of the solution will lead to its destruction. The physical meaning of this is as follows: the cement mortar sets quickly enough and creates some pressure on the brick, as if “stretching” it. Therefore, if you take too long a break in the construction of the arch, the places from which the masonry was resumed after the break will crack.

Some builders advise making certain markings on the template before starting bricklaying so that the masonry is absolutely even and symmetrical. In reality, this is not at all necessary, because it will turn out fine, even if it is done by an inexperienced mason. The main thing is that the bricks are laid simultaneously on both sides. This will lead to the fact that the masonry will eventually reach the top, where all that remains is to insert the last vertical brick, which will act as a lock.

Building a so-called wedge arch is also not difficult, because the technique of laying bricks is completely no different from the usual one. In the same way, the bricks are installed on a template, fastened together with cement mortar. The seams are made normal, even. Laying is carried out on both sides by laying bricks in pairs. At the same time, the divergent slope of the brick from above is 4-5 degrees. This means that each subsequent brick must be tilted slightly in relation to the previous one. In the middle the masonry is fastened with a wedge-shaped brick lock. To properly “feel” the slope, you need to have some experience. Therefore, beginners are not advised to start building arches with this type.

The laying of a full and beam brick arch differs from the usual one in that the mortar in it must be laid in a wedge shape, and the seam on top must be made much thicker than usual. Laying the next row is done in the same way as the bottom one. To maintain symmetry, you can use a cord. IN in this case It is imperative to do the jointing, and in addition, cosmetic cleaning of the masonry surface. To do this, the bricks are wiped first with a dry brush and then with a damp brush. The last step is to remove the template after the solution has completely hardened.

If you are a fan of making something beautiful and original with your own hands, have at least basic mason skills and an understanding of the process of laying bricks - make this architectural miracle. You will have something to show your friends, who will say: “How beautiful it is!” It’s like being in an ancient Greek or Roman city!”

You can only cover fireplaces and stoves arches, ties, overlap or wedge. Cannot be used for floors hardware: fittings, corners, channels, etc.

Arch the most reliable ceiling that transfers the vertical load from the upper rows of the stove or fireplace masonry to the walls “in expansion”.

Arches are:

• semicircular
• archery
• straight

Semicircular arch– exactly half a circle – the most durable and reliable. The radius of curvature in such an arch is equal to half the width of the firebox.

To lay such an arch, you must first make a circle. Take a sheet of plywood and cut out 2 semicircles from it with a radius half the width of the firebox. Place the semicircles on the floor and insert 11 cm long wooden blocks between them and nail them together. The circle is ready.

When laying an arch on cement-sand mortar, the bricks are placed on the circle whole, not ground off, but the masonry is wedged with mortar. When laying an arch on clay, it is impossible to jam the mortar, since the clay-sand mortar has very low strength and sooner or later it will crumble out of the seams. Therefore, all the bricks of the arch must be ground onto a wedge. Moreover, the dimensions of the wedge depend on the radius of curvature of the arch.

You can calculate the dimensions of the wedge using geometric formulas, but it’s easier to draw it using a thread. To do this, place the circle on the table and attach a brick to it. From the center of the circle, pull the thread to the upper left corner of the brick.
Using a pencil, draw a cutting line along the brick from the top left corner. Do the same with the right side of the brick. You will end up with a drawing that looks something like this. Then grind off the excess with a grinder or pick and you will get a wedge brick designed specifically for your arch radius.

After preparing the required number of wedge bricks, you can begin laying. The circle is installed in the firebox on supports, leveled and plumb. The arch is laid starting from the outermost bricks so that there is a brick at the top of the arch and not a seam between two bricks. The correctness of the masonry is checked with a thread stretched from the center of the circle. The bricks adjacent to the arch are adjusted to it in place.

Onion arch more flat than semicircular. Used for wider windows and limited window heights. Circles under such an arch are not an even half of a circle, but a sector.

The technology for laying a beam arch is the same as a semicircular arch, with the only difference being that the radius of curvature in such an arch is unknown in advance. It is calculated by the formula:

R – radius of curvature of the arch

c - the height to which you want to raise the top of the arch (usually equal to the height of 1-2 rows of masonry)

c - half the width of the firebox

Straight arch. It is used if you want to make a direct overlap. All that remains of the arch here are bricks ground down into a wedge. That is, the principle of the arch (transmitting the vertical load to the sides) remains, but the shape of the arc disappears.

There is no need to make a circle. The arch is laid along the board. In manufacturing, a straight arch is the most difficult of all ceilings. The main difficulty is the calculation of the cutting angles of each brick, or rather its measurement.

To determine the stitch angles, you must first set the center of the arch. Further technology is similar to making bricks for a beam arch. Only instead of a circle, a straight board is used. First, a center brick is placed in the center of the board. The angles of the cuts are measured using a thread stretched from the center of the arch to its upper corners.

The central brick (1) is sawn along the cutting lines. Then a second brick (2) is placed on the right side of the central cut brick so that the lower left corner of the second brick coincides with the lower right corner of the central one. The thread (4) is pulled to the upper right corner of the second brick from the center of the arch (3). The cutting line is drawn. In this case, the lower right corner of the second brick is below the board line. A second cutting line (5) is drawn along the board, as if along a ruler, cutting off the lower right corner of the second brick.

In the same way, sequentially placing subsequent bricks against the arch, all the rest are trimmed. In this case, each time the lower right corner of the subsequent brick will fall lower and lower than the level of the board. Using the same technology, bricks are cut to the left of the center. The result is an arch with a flat bottom and a stepped top.

Now all that remains is to draw a straight line from the upper left corner of the leftmost brick to the upper right corner of the rightmost brick and cut all the bricks along this line. This way you will get a set of bricks for a straight arch. Such an arch is placed along a straight board, as if in a circle. When choosing the center of the arch, it must be taken into account that the height of the bricks and the strength of the arch directly depend on its position. The closer the center is to the arch, the steeper the wedges are, the stronger the arch, but the height of the bricks in it decreases.

Screed. It is used if you want to make a direct ceiling with vertically standing bricks. Not the best reliable way ceilings The use of steel rods can lead to sagging of the floor over time. To make a screed, take two steel rods with a diameter of 10-12 mm and a length 20-30 cm greater than the width of the firebox. Cut threads at the ends of the rods. In bricks intended for flooring, drill holes with a diameter of 12-14 mm. Place the drilled bricks in a row and thread them through the holes. Seal the joints between the bricks with mortar. After the solution has dried, put washers on the rods and tighten the resulting beam with nuts. You can install such a brick block directly on the fireplace window. It is very cute, but due to the use of metal, it is very unreliable. No matter how refractory the brick is, it still heats up and heats up the steel rods, and the coefficients thermal expansion brick and steel are very different from each other.

Overlap overlap. It is used for direct covering of small (up to 1 brick wide) areas in ovens. Bricks in such a ceiling do not fail due to the fact that they are cantilevered in the masonry. When laying them, you need to place a board under them, which is then removed.

Wedge overlap. Used for direct covering of openings up to 2 bricks wide. To cover with a wedge, a support is also used, on which numbered bricks are laid. After finishing all the masonry, the board is removed. Bricks No. 3 are held in place by rigid embedding in the masonry, brick No. 6 is held in place by a wedge.

Video: do-it-yourself arch laying