<P> The flying buttress ( arc - boutant , arch buttress ) is a specific form of buttress composed of an arched structure that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier of great mass , in order to convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards , which are forces that arise from vaulted ceilings of stone and from wind - loading on roofs . </P>
<P> The flying buttress ( arc - boutant , arch buttress ) is a specific form of buttress composed of an arched structure that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier of great mass , in order to convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards , which are forces that arise from vaulted ceilings of stone and from wind - loading on roofs . </P>
. in gothic architecture the main purpose of the flying buttress was to
. in gothic architecture the main purpose of the flying buttress was to
convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards
convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards