SF

Sagrada Família Vault & Load Physics Lab

Interactive Catenary Arch & Inverted Funicular Structural Engine
Inverted Masonry Vault (Pure Compression)
Axial Compression
Tension / Thrust Force
Masonry Node
Historical Construction Timeline (1882 – 2026) 1906: Crypt & Apse Base
1882
Groundbreak
1906
Early Arch
1936
Workshop
2010
Nave Vaults
2026
Central Towers
Applied Load
450.0 kN
Dead weight + tower mass
Axial Compression Load
463.8 kN
Direct stone pillar load
Lateral Thrust
112.4 kN
Outward base reaction
Structural Efficiency
94.2%
Pure Compression

Gaudí Inversion Principle & Vector Stability Analysis

Antoni Gaudí suspended weights on interconnected chains to naturally discover pure tension catenary curves. Inverting these curves yielded self-supporting masonry vaults operating under pure axial compression—eliminating heavy gothic flying buttresses.

Status: Pure Compression Thrust Line | Efficiency: 94.2% | Span: 12.50 m | Rise: 22.00 m | Material: Montjuïc Stone
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