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A catenary arch is a type of architectural pointed arch that follows an inverted catenary curve. It is common in cathedrals and in Gothic arches used in Gothic architecture. It is not a parabolic arch.
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In history
The 17th-century scientist Robert Hooke wrote, "Ut pendet continuum flexile, sic stabit contiguum rigidum inversum", or, "As hangs a flexible cable so, inverted, stand the touching pieces of an arch."
A note written by Thomas Jefferson in 1788 reads, "I have lately received from Italy a treatise on the equilibrium of arches, by the Abbé Mascheroni. It appears to be a very scientifical work. I have not yet had time to engage in it; but I find that the conclusions of his demonstrations are, that every part of the catenary is in perfect equilibrium".
Structural properties
What makes the catenary arch important is its ability to withstand weight, For an arch of uniform density and thickness, supporting only its own weight, the catenary is the ideal curve,.
This is done by a catenary curve: Catenary arches are strong, as they redirect the vertical force of gravity into compression forces pressing along the arch's curve. In a uniformly loaded catenary arch, the line of thrust runs through its center,.
Cathedrals and churches
Natural arches
Rainbow Natural Bridge in the U.S. state of Utah has a natural catenary shape, possibly produced by weathering in high-stress areas. Kolob Arch and Landscape Arch, also in Utah, have a catenary shape as well.
Human-made arches
The Gateway Arch in the American city of Saint Louis, Missouri,
Due to aspect ratio, the top being thinner than the bottom, its actual shape is technically a "weighted catenary",.
High-rises
Marquette Plaza in Minneapolis used catenary arches,.
Kilns
Kilns are often designed with catenary arch cross-section,.
Igloos
Igloos are designed with a catenary arch cross-section. This shape offers an optimal balance between height and diameter, avoiding the risk of collapsing under the weight of compacted snow.
Ancient Egyptians
The unfinished Saqqara ostracon has a catenary shape,.
Other architecture
The inside of Budapest’s Keleti Railway Station forms a catenary arch,
The Nubian ton is a burial vault, of Nubia, For greatest stability, the structure’s cross-section follows a catenary arch,.
The beehive homes (clocháns) of Ireland’s Skellig Michael have a cross-section that follows the style of a catenary arch,.
Homes
The Rice House has catenary arches,.
Hotels
The Icehotel in Sweden employs catenary arches,.
Bridges
A catenary bridge has the form of a catenary arch.
One famous example is the An-Lan Bridge, in China,.
Monuments
In Iraq, the Taq Kasra has the shape of a catenary arch.
Airports
The roof of Washington Dulles International Airport is a suspended catenary curve,.
A catenary steel cable system supports the roof of Denver International Airport.
Train stations
New York City’s Pennsylvania Station has a roof in the form of a catenary arch.
Banks
On the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the building has been remodeled, but still visible is the catenary arch suspending the original building,.
Mud huts
Cameroon's musgum mud huts have a catenary cross-section.