Serial Barrel Vaults, Inverted Arches, and Rings: A Neglected Family of Structural Forms

This paper explores the use of embedded arches, serial barrel vaults, inverted arches, and full rings primarily in masonry architecture of the pre-industrial age, while seeking to understand the intentions of the architects, especially by gathering together rare examples of written explanations. Parallels are drawn to a comparable understanding in the writings of modern architects, engineers, and architectural historians.