UK newbie

[dallabush]

Just wanted to say hi. I am new to the forum and am looking to build a barrel vaulted WFO. I am sure I will have lots of questions!!

[downunderdave]

Mar 17, 2021 10:50:15 GMT dallabush said:

Just wanted to say hi. I am new to the forum and am looking to build a barrel vaulted WFO. I am sure I will have lots of questions!!

My first question is why do you want to build a barrel fault> It has its advantages, but they are heavily outweighed by its disadvantages IMO. A lot of folk decide to build a barrel vault oven because they think it will be easier to construct than a hemispherical dome. Unfortunately they do not take into consideration the fact that a barrel arch that does not have support for the side walls is not as inherently stable as a hemisphere. This fact coupled with the thermal expansion and contraction every time the oven is fired, leads to  stress an, weakens in the structure and cracking. The two methods of counteracting this problem are either buttressing of the side walls or steel bracing or even both. In addition, for ease of construction some folk build the end walls against the vault. Not only do the vertically aligned joint between the walls and the vault create a weak point the expanding vault has a tendency to push the end walls out. They need to be built under the vault and tied into the corners to prevent this problem. The buttressing and bracing also lead to other problems like corrosion and heat sink effect. By contrast the hemisphere is a far more stable structure and does not require either bracing or buttressing. It is for these reasons that it is the preferred design for thousands of years.
However if you have your heart set on a barrel arch, by all means research it well first and follow a successful design.

[dallabush]

Thanks for the info. I have my heart set on a barrel vault. I have a talented brick layer in the family so will ask if he could do a hemisphere given the points yiu have raised.

[downunderdave]

Mar 18, 2021 17:02:01 GMT dallabush said:

Thanks for the info. I have my heart set on a barrel vault. I have a talented brick layer in the family so will ask if he could do a hemisphere given the points yiu have raised.

If you have your heart set on a half barrel vault, you won’t get it if you ask your bricklayer to build a hemisphere. They are totally different forms. Research some builds first, before you proceed and have some plans to give your bricklayer.

[dallabush]

Mar 19, 2021 23:58:56 GMT downunderdave said:

Mar 18, 2021 17:02:01 GMT dallabush said:

Thanks for the info. I have my heart set on a barrel vault. I have a talented brick layer in the family so will ask if he could do a hemisphere given the points yiu have raised.

If you have your heart set on a half barrel vault, you won’t get it if you ask your bricklayer to build a hemisphere. They are totally different forms. Research some builds first, before you proceed and have some plans to give your bricklayer.

Yes I get that thanks! Was just pointing out that you raised some good points so I may reconsider what I want!