pointed arches create buttresses with the weight of a structure.
what do pointed arches do with the weight of a structure?
buttresses
arches with a circular form, also referred to as rounded arches, were commonly employed by the builders of ancient, heavy masonry arches. ancient roman builders relied heavily on the rounded arch to span large, open areas. several rounded arches placed in-line, end-to-end, form an arcade, such as the roman aqueduct.





















































pointed arches were most often used by builders of gothic-style architecture. the advantage to using a pointed arch, rather than a circular one, is that the arch action produces less thrust at the base. this innovation allowed for taller and more closely spaced openings, typical of gothic architecture.
arch
in the interior of the church, massive cruciform piers sustain high, large barrel vaults consisting of pointed arches and transverse pointed arches. diaphragm pointed arches are also evident. the abundant use of pointed arches was chosen because “the pointed arch channels the weight onto the bearing piers or columns at a steep angle,” and will support a tall building for thousands of years.
abbey of fontenay