Vaulting - SMC084


A vault is a type of roof that uses arches. There are two main types of vaulting: 'barrel vaulting' which is a continuous arch, and 'quadripartite vaulting' in which four arches radiate from a single point.

In constructing vaulting first the arches are constructed using wooden frames, called 'centrings', which have stone mortared in place over them. Wooden boards, called 'lagging' are then placed in between the arches that are then covered in thin stone slabs, called 'webbing'. A layer of concrete is then laid on top of the vaulting.

Only two mediaeval cathedrals in Scotland had high vaulted ceilings. They were St Andrews and St Magnus Cathedrals.


Welcome | Contact Us | Links