Triangular arch

In architecture, a triangular arch is typically defines an arch where the intrados (inner surface of an arch) consists of two straight segments formed by two stone slabs leaning against each other.^[1][2] In this roof-like arrangements mitre joint is usually used at the crown, thus an obsolete name, mitre arch.^[3] Brick builders would call triangular any arch with straight inclined sides.^[4] Mayan corbel arches are also sometimes called triangular due to their shape.^[5]

Triangular arch made of two stone slabs

Since the sides of a triangular arch are experiencing bending stress, it is a false arch^[2] in a structural sense. The design was common in Anglo-Saxon England until the late 11th century (St Mary Goslany).^[1]

• 
  Mayan corbelled arch
• 
  A triangular arch built using masonry

References

1. Woodman & Bloom 2003, Triangular.
2. "triangular arch". The Oxford Dictionary of Architecture (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. 2021. ISBN 9780191918742.
3. "mitre arch". Oxford English Dictionary. 2023-07-01. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
4. Brick Industry Association] (January 1995). Brick Masonry Arches: Introduction (PDF). Technical Notes on Brick Construction. Brick Industry Association. p. 2.
5. Sturgis & Davis 2013, p. 121, Triangular Arch.

Sources

• Woodman, Francis; Bloom, Jonathan M. (2003). "Arch". Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t003657. ISBN 978-1-884446-05-4.
• Sturgis, Russell; Davis, Francis A. (2013). "Triangular Arch". Sturgis' Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture and Building: An Unabridged Reprint of the 1901-2 Edition. Dover Architecture. Dover Publications. ISBN 978-0-486-14840-3. Retrieved 2023-12-15.