Understanding the Mechanics of a Stone Arch - Diagram and Explanation #3805512 (License: Personal Use)

This black-and-white line drawing depicts a semicircular stone arch constructed from evenly spaced voussoirs-wedge-shaped blocks that transfer compressive forces outward to the abutments. A dotted line arcs from the crown toward the right intrados, suggesting a projectile’s path or force vector within the arch’s interior. The illustration emphasizes structural principles used in ancient and medieval masonry engineering.

Used in educational materials on architectural history, civil engineering fundamentals, or physics demonstrations of force distribution; matches user intent seeking visual explanations of arch mechanics or historical construction techniques.