In brick wall construction, supporting structures are crucial for openings like windows and doors to maintain the integrity and support the weight of the wall above. These supports include lintels, corbels, and arches, each serving specific structural purposes.
Lintels are primary supports used to span openings and can be crafted from materials such as reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced brick masonry, or simple steel angles. These are straightforward to install and are typically concealed within the brickwork, making them invisible in the completed structure.
Corbels, offering limited spanning capabilities, are ideal for smaller openings or as decorative elements. They can also serve as supporting brackets for beams, adding both functional and aesthetic value to the structure.
Brick arches represent a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing method of spanning openings, but require precise construction techniques. They necessitate the use of a temporary wooden or steel framework known as centering, which supports the structure during construction. Gauged brick arches involve individually shaping each brick, leading to higher construction costs, while rough arches rely on wedge-shaped mortar joints to form their curvature.
For customized architectural requirements, manufacturers can produce tapered bricks specifically designed for arches, accommodating various shapes and spans. Additionally, architectural adaptations of arches include the creation of barrel vaults by extending the arch perpendicularly to its plane and domes by rotating the arch about its vertical centerline.
