An inverted arch or invert also known as reverse arch foundation and is a civil engineering structure in the form of an inverted arch, inverted in comparison to the usual arch. In general meanings, the inverted arch is not used to support loads as in the case with flying arch but rather it is used to resist sideways, inwards loads.
Inverted arch foundation is a type of foundation often used in soils having low bearing capacity and the load of the structure is concentrated over the walls and deep excavations are not possible. It is rather an unusual type of foundation and is not common these days.In a usual construction sequence, an arch is constructed between the two walls of the base. In order for the walls to withstand the outward horizontal thrust caused by the arch action, the Walls must be sufficiently thick and strong.
They are upside down fun
One of the drawbacks in this type of construction is that the end piles have to be specially strengthened by buttresses to avoid the arch thrust tending to rapture the pier junction. However, the advantage of inverted arch construction is that in soft soils the depth of foundation is greatly reduced.
They constructed between two walls of the base. When the walls must be sufficiently thick. When it makes a strong withstand the outward horizontal thrust caused by the arch action.
In an arch making parts shown in the diagram
- End pier
- Piers
- Openings
End pier
Where are uses it
Advantages
Disadvantages
- In inverted arch need skilled labored.
- This is a costly footing.
