ClipArt ETC

The Groin Vaults ClipArt gallery provides 14 examples of groin vaults, the result of the intersection of two barrel vaults. Ribbed and fan vaults are also included in this gallery.

"The main rib or arch-band which crosses a vault at right angles and separates adjoining bays from each other. Image: Arcs in vaulting, perspective and plan. A B, C D, arcs doubleaux; A D, C B, arcs ogives; A C, B D, arcs formerets."-Whitney, 1902

Arc Boutant

"The main rib or arch-band which crosses a vault at right angles and separates adjoining bays from each…

Fan tracery is a very complicated mode of roofing used in the perpendicular style in which the vault is covered by ribs and veins of tracery.

Fan Tracery

Fan tracery is a very complicated mode of roofing used in the perpendicular style in which the vault…

The angular curve made by the intersection of two semi-cylinders or arches. It is either regular or irregular.

Groin

The angular curve made by the intersection of two semi-cylinders or arches. It is either regular or…

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. The word groin refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults; cf. ribbed vault. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round.

Groin Vault

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced…

"Medieval Groins in early 12th century vaulting. A, A, groins. GROIN. In architecture, the curved intersection or arris of simple vaults crossing each other at any angle." -Whitney, 1911

Groin Vault

"Medieval Groins in early 12th century vaulting. A, A, groins. GROIN. In architecture, the curved intersection…

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. The word groin refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults; cf. ribbed vault. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round. In comparison with a barrel vault, a groin vault provides good economies of material and labour. The thrust is concentrated along the groins or arrises (the four diagonal edges formed along the points where the barrel vaults intersect), so the vault need only be abutted at its four corners.

Groined Vault with Zig-Zag Ridge-Joints

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced…

An arch having an angular curve made by the intersection of two semi-cylinders of arches.

Groined-arch

An arch having an angular curve made by the intersection of two semi-cylinders of arches.

"Architectural Refinement from Church of St. Quentin, France ... deviations from the geometrical accuracy of purely structural lines, which have been found widely distributed in architecture before the most modern era." -Whitney, 1911

Refinement

"Architectural Refinement from Church of St. Quentin, France ... deviations from the geometrical…

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

English Style Ribbed Vault

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

Sexpartite vault (or six-part vault), in architecture, is a rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal ribs and three transverse ribs. Legend: a, transverse ribs (doubleaux); b, wall-ribs (formerets); c, groin-ribs (diagonaux). All the ribs are semi-circle.

Sexpartite Ribbed Vault, Showing Two Compartments with the Fillings Complete

Sexpartite vault (or six-part vault), in architecture, is a rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal…

A ceiling vault divided into four parts.

Quadripartite Vault

A ceiling vault divided into four parts.

Vaulting from apsidal chapel, Beauvais.

Vaulting

Vaulting from apsidal chapel, Beauvais.

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

Sexpartite Vaulting

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular vault sprung from higher level; groins form wavy line. C: Intersection by narrow pointed vault sprung from same level; groins are plane curves.

Vaults, Penetrations and Intersections

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular…