A cellular vault is a vault construction composed of a series of individual, smaller vault bays or cells. These cells together form a larger whole and efficiently distribute loads across the supporting structure below.
Construction principle
The cellular vault differs from a continuous barrel vault or groin vault through its subdivision into multiple smaller compartments. Each cell functions as an independent small vault that transfers forces via its edges to ribs, transverse arches, or walls.
This subdivision offers several advantages. The individual cells are smaller and lighter than a single large vault, requiring less heavy formwork during construction. Additionally, forces are distributed more evenly, allowing for a more slender supporting structure.
Cellular vaults can be constructed in brick, natural stone, or concrete. In historic constructions, brick was frequently used due to its ease of forming into curved shapes. The cells may be square, rectangular, or even polygonal in plan, depending on the floor layout and architectural design.
Historical context
Cellular vaults appear across various periods of architectural history. They were used in Roman structures, medieval cellars and basement vaults, and later in nineteenth-century utilitarian buildings. A distinctive characteristic is that the cellular vault was often chosen where large surfaces needed to be spanned without heavy intermediate supports.
The technique allowed builders to cover expansive areas while keeping individual vault spans manageable. This was particularly valuable in storage buildings, market halls, and infrastructure projects where uninterrupted floor space was essential.
Application
In historic construction, cellular vaults are found in cellars, basements, warehouses, and large halls. They were also employed in the construction of bridges and viaducts, where the cellular structure provides weight savings while maintaining structural strength. In restoration projects, understanding the cellular vault is essential for assessing structural condition and carrying out repair work. In modern construction, the principle of cellular subdivision can be recognized in ribbed slabs and coffered ceilings.
Related terms
- Groin vault
- Barrel vault
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