-catalan vaults & domes in brick
- bricks layers and teracotta tiles
This technique is based on the use of small pieces of ceramic "brick" with a size around 30x15x2.5cm arranged in a combination of orthogonal and diagonal layers placed on their plan side with respect the vault curvature and joined by a layer of mortar. Each piece usually wights around 1.25kg which facilitates handling by the mason. The structural result is similar to a thin concrete membrane with a ceramic aggregate. In this case, the resistance is obtained not by the mass, but through an efficient combination of shape and constructive system. The vaults are fixed using a strong fast-setting mortar. The mortar is used not only to connect the sides of the tiles brickes but also forms a thick layer completely surronding them. The resulting vaults are very thin comparated to their roman equivalent and they can also bear much higher loads. Structurally monolithic and light in weight these vault-senable" wider spans and gentler curves as they exert little lateral thrust. The vault is self-supporting and requires only light maneuverable formwork at the beginning of the work and to control the geometry of the vault.
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