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Architecture/concrete block/stucco archway

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Expert: - 2/3/2011


Question

archway
Hello...I have an existing gated side entrance way to my backyard.  The yard is walled off with cinder block walls which I am currently stuccoing over and I want to turn the current side entrance through the block wall into an arched gateway..kind of a southwest style to go with the stucco project currently underway.   I will be using the existing concrete block walls as column/supports for the arch but my question is what would be the best way the construct the arch itself....which I will then apply stucco to.  I was thinking a constructing a temporary plywood frame  and mortaring in concrete bricks or blocks for the general shape, then I can apply stucco once that has set...what I am struggling with is how I should attach the masonry arch to the existing block?....would I need to use some rebar or should the just the mortar itself be strong enough of a bond between the arch/existing block wall? thanks for any insight!

Answer
Aren - thanks for your question!

The base of the wall in the photo you sent is almost certainly built with concrete block; the arch is very likely wood-framed construction.  The evidence in the photo is the "sharpness" of the edges - much more smooth and rounded on the block; sharper and more defined on the framing.

Building the arch of either wood framing or block will work; the framing will be less work (if you do block, you'll need wood "centering" (the temporary frame you mentioned) in addition to the block work.

In fact if you go to the trouble to build centering, why not just built formwork instead and pour the whole thing in concrete?  In that case, a few pieces of continuous rebar would be a good choice.

But the climate is a factor, too.  In arid climates (looks like this arch is in AZ) the plywood is fine - there's very little moisture for it to absorb.  In more humid climates you're going to have the potential for swelling of the wood framing, which will cause cracking at the joint between framing and block.

Rebar is probably overkill if you do block; have you checked into block "shapes"?  You may be able to get blocks with the proper keystone shape you need to do the arch without lots of mortar infilling.

If you do framing, you'll need a very solid joint between the block and the wood.  I'd suggest securing the base plate (at least 4X material, 2X won't be enough) to the block with grouted-in anchor bolts.

Either way, you'll need to cover the entire structure with expanded mesh and attach it to the wall and the arch - helping tie them both together.

Good luck with the project, send me photos when it's done!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtastudio.com

Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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