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The semicircular arch was followed in Europe by the pointed Gothic arch or ogive, whose centreline more closely followed the forces of compression and which was therefore stronger. This design had been used by the Assyrians as early as 722 BC. The parabolic and catenary arches are now known to be the theoretically strongest forms. A parabolic arch was introduced in the Ponte Santa Trinita, Florence, constructed by the architect Bartolomeo Ammanati from 1567 to 1569. Parabolic arches were introduced in construction by the Spanish architect Antoni GaudĂ, who admired the structural system of Gothic style, but for the buttresses, that were designated by him “architectural crutches”. The catenary and parabolic arches carry all horizontal thrust to the foundation and so do not need additional elements.
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Utah, USA
