barrel vault

Also called: tunnel vault, wagon vault

HB50

continuous plain vault with a semi-cylindrical or pointed cross-section, unbroken by cross vaults, and covering a rectangular space
See Figure A.76

The simplest form of masonry vault. Barrel vaults can be subdivided into bays by transverse arches. Modern reinforced or prestressed concrete barrel-vaulted shells are used for industrial and other buildings to provide large spans and column-free interiors.

Figure A.76: Domes and vaults