Architectural Construction Methods and Components
Roofing and Slating Techniques
Slates are vulnerable to wind damage due to their fragility and low resistance. They also suffer poor performance when exposed to high temperatures. Not all slates are equal, as some are more permeable to water than others.
Care must be taken in the fastening system to ensure durability and facilitate repairs. The arrangement of the slates is highly varied, largely depending on the shape or cut of the pieces. Installation always requires a slatted structure where the pieces are set.
Types of Slating Arrangements
Slating à la Française (French Slating)
In this type of slate roofing, the visible part of each piece is 1/3 of its total length, and the remaining 2/3 are covered by the upper pieces. For gripping, the parts are secured to the slats by fastening both ends. They are supported by two strips and two half-strips and can be fastened with staples or hooks (preferably red copper rather than iron).
Flake or Lanceolate Slating
This arrangement allows more of the piece to be visible. The fastening method can utilize either of the two forms seen in the previous case.
Angular-Shaped Slating
This is a very economical slating method. The pieces are square and are given an overlap of 8 cm. Clamping is done by means of triple hooks.
Renaissance and Baroque Construction
The Dome of Florence Cathedral
In 1294, the decision was made to rebuild the Cathedral of Florence. The initial project was by Master Arnolfo (before 1300). Around 1350, the ensemble was extended by Francesco Talenti, who sought to surpass the cathedrals of Pisa, Siena, and Lucca.
The design featured an octagonal crossing influenced by the Baptistery of San Giovanni (considered an ancient temple of Mars). This required a dome roof, 27 feet high, above an octagon 42 feet in diameter.
Filippo Brunelleschi was consulted in 1404 and again in 1410. Due to the absence of immediate solutions, the decision was made to lift a drum. The drum was concluded in 1413, elevating the springing of the dome to 54 feet high.
Since 1417, Brunelleschi dedicated himself to studying an architectural solution, analyzing the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome, and the Pantheon in Rome.
In 1420, Brunelleschi presented a Memorandum for the dome, which was constructed between 1420 and 1436. The dome was finally completed after his death in 1446.
Vault Construction
Encamonada Vault
This construction system is attributed to the Jesuit Pedro Sanchez.
Construction Techniques: Stairs
Stair Components and Terminology
A step (or tread) is the element used to climb horizontally and upward. It consists of:
- Tread (Footprint): The horizontal surface that supports the foot.
- Riser: The vertical surface which determines the ascent.
- Stringer (Zanca): The element that provides support for the steps.
- Newel Post (Pilarote)
- Handrail
- Baluster
Landings and Structure
- Landing (Plateau or Half-Landing): A horizontal floor element which serves to break the ascent, change direction, or provide entry to various floors (typically placed every 18 to 20 steps).
- Flight (Section or Shot): The cloth of stairs between two consecutive landings.
- Stairwell: The space, straight or curved, contained within the walls that holds the stairs.
- Stair Eye: The gap between the flights.
Types of Stairs
- Straight staircase
- Stairs with a square landing
- Flush square with winding steps
- Flush round staircase
- Turned ladder with landing