Construction

 The Origins of Barrel-Roof Forms 

          

     Quonset Huts share a common background with Roman high style, vernacular curved-roofs, and rectangular plan structures[1]. The arch is the most basic and essential structural component of the Quonset Hut. The arch allows the hut to be elongated for long distances and maximizes the volume underneath the arches using a barrel vault system, a masonry canopy of semi cylindrical cross sections supported by parallel walls[2]. Another way that these barrel roofs were formed was using complex system of purlins and rafters to form a semi cylindrical shape—the bow-string truss[3].

Example of barrel vault system in Tournus, France
Source: " Abbaye Saint-Philibert, Tournus," Sacred Destinations , Accessed Dec 12, 2012

Bowstring truss 


                                              

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[1] Thomas, Adam . "Soldiers of the Sword, Soldiers of the Ploughshare." Quonset Huts in the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. .

[2] "Soldiers of the Sword, Soldiers of the Ploughshare." 

[3] "Soldiers of the Sword, Soldiers of the Ploughshare."