A buttress pier is a type of support structure used in architecture and engineering to strengthen and stabilize walls, arches, and other structures. It is a vertical column or pillar that is attached to the wall or arch and extends outward to provide additional support and stability. The buttress pier is an important component of many historical and modern buildings, and its design and construction have evolved over time to meet the needs of different architectural styles and engineering requirements.
Definitions
The buttress pier is a vertical support structure that is used to reinforce the walls or arches of a building. It is typically made of stone, brick, or concrete, and is designed to withstand the weight and pressure of the building’s structure. The buttress pier is often used in Gothic architecture, where it is used to support the weight of the high vaulted ceilings and the pointed arches.
Origin
The origin of the buttress pier can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was used to support the arches of aqueducts and other structures. The design and construction of the buttress pier evolved over time, and it became a key component of Gothic architecture in the 12th and 13th centuries. The buttress pier was used extensively in the construction of cathedrals, churches, and other religious buildings during this period.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a buttress pier is “a vertical projection from a wall or column, used as a support for the weight of an arch or vault.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a pier projecting from a wall and supporting an arch or vault.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “a vertical column or pillar that supports a wall or arch and extends outward to provide additional support and stability.”
Associations
The buttress pier is commonly associated with Gothic architecture, where it is used to support the weight of the high vaulted ceilings and the pointed arches. It is also associated with religious buildings, particularly cathedrals and churches, where it is used to reinforce the walls and arches of the building.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of buttress pier include flying buttress, counterfort, and abutment.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of buttress pier, as it is a specific type of support structure.
The same root words
The word “buttress” comes from the Old French word “botece,” which means “support.” The word “pier” comes from the Latin word “pila,” which means “pillar.”
Example Sentences
- The buttress pier was added to the church in the 14th century to support the weight of the new vaulted ceiling.
- The flying buttresses and buttress piers of the cathedral were essential to its stability and grandeur.
- The counterforts and buttress piers of the castle walls provided the necessary support to withstand attacks from enemy forces.
- The architect designed the building with buttress piers to ensure its stability in the event of an earthquake.