Spherical segment approximation of sexpartite vaults

Abstract

As a continuation and generalization of an article dealing with quadripartite vaults using the same approach, this paper proposes spherical segment approximations of some medieval sexpartite vaults having pointed arches, with the idea of finding simple, yet representative geometric models for them. On the supposition that the bounding curves of every vault cell can be reckoned as vertical sections of spherical surfaces, it results in severe, yet expressive models of a wide range of vault shapes, revealing feasible computer representations of several vault types appearing in the books of architectural history either in textual or non-textual forms.