The flat ribbed vault by Juan De Álava_04 Print E-mail

[...] The upper layer of the tas-de-charges must be cut with the accurate slope to match the first voussoir of each rib; this angle has been obtained from the full scale drawing using the bebel to determine the right angle of cutting. In Saint Esteban monastery’s flat vault, the tas-de-charges coincide with the lower curvature of the ovals ribs; therefore, for each rib, its upper limit is the tangent point with the upper part of the oval and the beginning of the voussoirs of the main arch (photo 15).

Once carved the different pieces which compose the vault, their assembling can begin. But before, as it was the case in medieval ages, the centering had to be built. This wooden structure was the temporary base where the voussoirs and the boss stones were to be placed while the vault was being built. In the ribbed vaults, the centerings have to support only the weight of the stone ribs since this structure, once finished, shall bear the weight of the cells (photo 16).

Once the curved centerings of the arches are in place, the assembling can start. First, the pieces that compose the tas-de-charges are placed forming solid blocks on which to support the ribs; these pieces, difficult to be noticed in the real vault, can now be observed in their full greatness. Second, the boss stones are placed on each of the vertical pools. The last step in the construction of the vault consists of the placement and adjustment of the voussoirs (photo 17,18,19,20). [....]

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