Vaults

In architecture, a vault is a structural element that spans an open space, typically a roof or a ceiling, and is composed of a series of arches and/or curved segments. Vaults are used to distribute the weight of the roof or ceiling and transfer it to the supporting walls or columns. They are often used in grand architectural structures such as cathedrals, basilicas, and palaces and can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, brick, and concrete. Vaults can come in many shapes and styles, such as barrel vaults, groin vaults, ribbed vaults, and dome vaults.