The Stone Skeleton: Structural Engineering of Masonry Architecture

by Jacques Heyman

In this book, Heyman provides a thorough and intuitive understanding of masonry structures such as arch bridges, Greek temples, and Gothic cathedrals. Although the approach is firmly scientific, the author does not use complex mathematics. He introduces the basis of masonry analysis in the first two chapters, after which he considers individual structures--including piers, pinnacles, towers, vaults and domes--in more detail. This lucid and informative text will be of particular interest to structural engineers, practicing architects and others involved in the renovation and care of old stone buildings.

Genres: Architecture, Reference

170 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 1995

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Great introduction to the structural engineering ideas behind traditional stone and masonry structures. The book assumes a bit of engineering knowledge so it is probably most easily read by construction industry professionals or university students. It doesn't go into much detail introducing stone buildings, but rather in introducing the structural engineering ideas of stone buildings.

If you are a complete beginner to Stone & Masonry structures I would recommend first reading Understanding Building Stones and Stone Buildings by Hudson & Cosgrove to get a more thorough introduction, and then reading this book for the structural engineering ideas.

Along the way Heyman talks about the history of the development of these structural engineering ideas, which I found quite interesting.

[Amy Chan]

Always been a bit curious about the Gothic period for architecture..