opus quadratum
Quick Summary
Opus quadratum refers to Roman masonry constructed from squared blocks of stone laid in regular courses. The Romans adopted this technique from the Etruscans, who had developed stone construction based on the arch.12
This method was frequently used for public works, such as bridges and aqueducts, in conquered territories. Notable examples include the Pont du Gard in France and a bridge over the Tagus River in Spain. While impressive stone arches and vaults were built for these structures, they were not typically applied to buildings, where spans were generally smaller. The surviving Roman buildings with stone arches or vaults have typical spans of only 4 to 7 meters.2
The Romans also utilized brickmaking and developed a strong, weather-resistant mortar using pozzolana, a volcanic ash. This led to the creation of Roman concrete, known as opus caementicium, which was used in conjunction with brick or wooden forms.2
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Western architectureConstruction…type of masonry was called opus quadratum.
Read More…type of masonry was called opus quadratum.
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constructionMasonry construction…examples of what they called opus quadratum, or structures of cut stone blocks laid in regular courses. Most of these were public works in conquered provinces, such as the late 1st-century-bce Pont du Gard, a many-arched bridge and aqueduct spanning 22 meters (72 feet) near Nîmes, in France, or the…
Read More…examples of what they called opus quadratum, or structures of cut stone blocks laid in regular courses. Most of these were public works in conquered provinces, such as the late 1st-century-bce Pont du Gard, a many-arched bridge and aqueduct spanning 22 meters (72 feet) near Nîmes, in France, or the…
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