Gauged arches are a specialized type of masonry arch featuring precisely shaped building blocks.
A gauged arch is a masonry arch that has bricks or stones gauged in such a manner that the joints radiate from a common center. This definition highlights the key characteristics: the careful shaping of the individual units and the resulting pattern of the joints.
Understanding Gauged Arches
Unlike standard arches where rectangular bricks or stones are used with wedge-shaped mortar joints to create the curve, gauged arches rely on the exact cutting or shaping of the individual blocks themselves.
- Gauging: This refers to the process of meticulously cutting or rubbing each brick or stone to the required tapered shape. These shaped blocks are sometimes called voussoirs or voussoir bricks.
- Radiating Joints: Because each block is precisely tapered, the edges of the blocks align perfectly, causing the thin mortar joints between them to point directly towards the theoretical center point of the arch's curve.
Key Features
- Precision: Gauged arches require a high level of craftsmanship due to the precise cutting needed for each block.
- Appearance: They typically feature very fine, uniform mortar joints, often thinner than those found in standard brickwork, resulting in a smooth, clean, and often decorative appearance.
- Material: While the reference mentions bricks or stones, gauged arches are most commonly associated with gauged brickwork, using special soft bricks (like 'rubbing bricks') that are easier to cut and shape accurately.
Why Use Gauged Arches?
Gauged arches are often used for aesthetic reasons and in locations where a highly finished look is desired.
- Decorative Element: Commonly found above windows and doors in historical architecture (such as Georgian and Victorian styles) as a sign of quality craftsmanship.
- Smooth Finish: The precisely cut units and thin joints provide a smooth, almost seamless appearance compared to the often rougher texture of standard brick arches with thick mortar.
| Feature | Gauged Arch | Standard Masonry Arch |
|---|---|---|
| Block Shaping | Each block is precisely cut/shaped | Blocks are typically standard |
| Joints | Thin, radiating from center | Thicker, wedge-shaped mortar |
| Appearance | Smooth, precise, decorative | Can be rougher, functional |
| Craftsmanship | High level required | Standard masonry skill |
In essence, a gauged arch is a premium form of masonry arch construction where the focus is on the precise shaping of the building units to achieve both structural integrity and a refined aesthetic with joints that radiate from a central point.
