Springer (architecture)
Encyclopedia
A springer is an architectural term for the lowest voussoir
on each side of an arch
. Since it is the bottom-most element of the arch, it is where the arch support terminates at the respond
s. It rests on the impost
or pier of the arch, that is, the topmost part of the abutment
, from which the arch arises.
Voussoir
A voussoir is a wedge-shaped element, typically a stone, used in building an arch or vault.Although each unit in an arch or vault is a voussoir, two units are of distinct functional importance: the keystone and the springer. The keystone is the center stone or masonry unit at the apex of an arch. A...
on each side of an arch
Arch
An arch is a structure that spans a space and supports a load. Arches appeared as early as the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamian brick architecture and their systematic use started with the Ancient Romans who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures.-Technical aspects:The...
. Since it is the bottom-most element of the arch, it is where the arch support terminates at the respond
Respond
A respond is a half-pier or half-pillar which is bonded into a wall and designed to carry the springer at one end of an arch....
s. It rests on the impost
Impost
Impost may mean:*A type of extra tax*A handicap used in horse racing*Impost : a block or capital on which an arch rests*A tax levied on imports....
or pier of the arch, that is, the topmost part of the abutment
Abutment
An abutment is, generally, the point where two structures or objects meet. This word comes from the verb abut, which means adjoin or having common boundary. An abutment is an engineering term that describes a structure located at the ends of a bridge, where the bridge slab adjoins the approaching...
, from which the arch arises.