Semicircular arch

[8] These "shifts and dodges" were immediately dropped once the pointed arch with its malleable proportions was adopted.

Its type is always before us in that of the apparent vault of heaven, and horizon of the earth" (John Ruskin, "The Seven Lamps of Architecture").

[11] The popularity of the semicircular arch is based on simplicity of its layout and construction,[12] not superior structural properties.

The sides of this arch swing wider than the perfect funicular curve and therefore experience a bending moment with the force directed outwards.

[12] In addition to the Imperial Roman construction, round arches are also associated with Byzantine, Romanesque (and Neo-Romanesque), Renaissance[14] and Rundbogenstil styles.