A buttress wall is essentially a wall strengthened by buttresses – architectural supports built against or projecting from it to reinforce the wall against lateral forces.
Buttresses are commonly found on older buildings, especially those with high walls or heavy roofs. Their primary purpose is to counteract the outward thrust exerted by the weight of the roof or other structural elements, preventing the walls from buckling or collapsing.
Here's a breakdown:
- What it is: A wall that utilizes buttresses for support.
- Purpose: To strengthen the wall and resist lateral forces.
- Common in: Older buildings with heavy roofs or high walls.
- How it works: Buttresses add mass and support, counteracting outward thrust.
In simpler terms, imagine pushing on a tall, thin wall. It might lean or fall over. A buttress is like adding extra support to that wall, making it much harder to push over. It's a visible and effective way to reinforce a wall against forces that could otherwise cause it to fail.
