What are the functions of Arches and lintels? Give relative merits and demerits of lintel over arches?
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What are the functions of Arches and lintels? Give relative merits and demerits of lintel over arches?
Komal Bhandakkar
Arches and lintels:
Let’s discuss firstly, the definition of arch and lintel.
1) Definition:
Now coming toward the function of above both terms.
2) Function:
  A) Arch :
   B) lintel :
3) Merits of Arch over lintel :
RaghavArora
A lintel is a horizontal member that has been placed across an opening to support the structure above it.
An Arch is a structure which is constructed to span across an opening. This, usually, consists of small wedge-shaped units, joined together with mortar.
The main function of arch or lintel is to support the loads of a portion of the wall above the openings and to transmit such load to ends of walls/ piers/ columns over; they are supported.
Lintels are easy to construct, but for arch, exceptional centering or formwork is required.
However, arches are mainly used when loads are heavy; span is more, and special architectural appearance is required.
Preet Chovatiya
The function of the arch arc lintel is to carry the weight of the structure above the opening.
Advantage of lintel over arches:-
1. Their formwork is inexpensive.
2. Easy to construct.
3. They are looking simple but carry load evenly without failure.
4. No skilled labor required.
Disadvantage of lintel over arches:-
1. Lintel is looking simple, so it will not give an architectural look.
Kuldeep Singh
It depends a bit on what you mean by arches and lintels. In truth, they both are very different, but often arches are used for the same purpose as lintels.
Arches are curved structures fixed joined to either the ground or another structural member. They only carry compressive forces; however, they may be loaded because of their shape and orientation. Their first use actually dates back to the Roman Empire times. Back then, they didn’t know how to handle tensile loads. So they came up with this brilliant thing called an arch that converts all loads to compressive loads against which stones etc. were fairly good.
Lintels are a type of structural member placed like a beam just above an opening (door, window, ventilator) so as to carry the load of the wall above the opening.
Now, coming back to your question, arches are also often used for the same purpose as lintels. But I think for that, lintels are a better option because :
But, arches could have their own advantages :
nikeetasharma
Function of Lintel :- A lintel is one type of beam which is used to support the above wall when openings like doors, windows, etc. are necessary to provide a building structure. The main function of the lintel is to take loads coming from above wall and transfer its load to the side walls.
Function of Arches :- The arches of the foot, formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones, strengthened by ligaments and tendons, allow the foot to support the weight of the body in the erect posture with the least weight.