Calculating and templating a masonry opening

Keywords

∞ Extrados – Top of the arch.

∞ Intrados – Bottom of the arch.

∞ Voussoirs – Wedge-shaped brick that makes up the arch.

∞ Skewback – The angled abutment or sloping section where the arch sits on the left and right sides.

∞ Striking point – The point in the center of the arch’s opening at which the voussoirs’ (arch brick) angle cuts originate.

∞ Center line – A drawn line or string line that goes directly through the center of the arch that splits the keystone or key brick directly through the center of the unit. The center line can easily determine the accuracy of the laying of the arch brick during construction.

∞ Reveal – The jamb of the rough opening.

∞ Springers – The brick (usually in running or English bond) that adjoins the façade brick to the skewback of the arch.

∞ Skew Line – A line extending from the top of the extrados to the intrados (following the skewback angle at the reveal) and down to the center of the masonry opening.

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4 comments on “Calculating and templating a masonry opening”

  1. Please discuss thru-wall flashing and weeps when utilizing jack arches in masonry veneer construction.
    BTW, the article on jack arches was quite informative and interesting. Curious about the mention of a loose lintel in the article. Other than for forming purposes, why would one bother? It introduces many other un-needed issues into the brick veneer.

    1. The use of weeping holes in masonry is synonymous with type N mortar and modern wall systems. Older buildings being restored with the correct lime based mortar act like goretex where the water evaporates through the less dense mortar, eliminating the need for weepers.

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