Types and uses of vaults and timbrel vaults in Interior Alentejo: Data for a typological study

A typological study of vaults and timbrel vaults in Interior Alentejo reveals that groin, trough, barrel, and segmental vaults are the most prevalent types, with lunette and sail vaults appearing less frequently. Timbrel vaults predominantly feature trough and segmental shapes. The research found a strong correlation between vault types and their positioning within houses, as well as room geometry and house divisions. While the exact chronology of vaulting spread remains unclear, it is hypothesized to align with the evolution of housing typologies during the early Modern Age, coinciding with urban expansion in the late 16th/17th centuries and potentially influenced by military constructions from the late 17th century. The study surveyed houses in four cities to gather data on these architectural features.

Rosado, A. C. (2021). Types and uses of vaults and timbrel vaults in Interior Alentejo: Data for a typological study. History of Construction Cultures, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003173359-19