Brick Arches
Special Shaped Bricks
Brick Slip Cladding System
Apex Brick Slips
Brick Eco-Habitats
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A brick structural arches at Peterhouse College in Cambridge
This Norfolk house arches are our Traditional FG2 structural brick arches
An example of specially shaped bricks, This process is carried out using diamond-tipped blades and clean, fresh water. The bonding process takes place using a two-part epoxy resign, specifically developed for this task.
Closeup detail of a structural brick window arch, created by Apex BrickCutters, at Peterhouse College, where the windows are set back from the brickwork.
An example of an Apex BrickCutters Traditional FG2 brick window arch with brick soffits. The windows are set back from the brickwork, showing a check reveal detail.
An example of structural brick window arches, created by Apex BrickCutters, at Peterhouse College.

Structural Arches

Apex Brickcutters have 3 methods of manufacturing pre-formed structural brick arches:

1. Concrete Backed – These arches are cut into 25mm brick slips which are bonded with BBA Approved Epoxy Adhesive to a Load bearing concrete lintel. This is the least expensive method and saves considerable time when installing into a building. The arches have steel or concrete barers that sit on the abutment brickwork for added structural support.
Lead Time – 5-6 Weeks.

2. Pre-cast Concrete Backed – These arches are cut into 35mm slips with 10mm dovetails cut into the reverse of the slip to provide a key for when the arches are set into the concrete backing lintels. This method is predominantly used for when bricks are in an underslung position of a building. Used for: Walkthroughs, Drive- Thru, Tunnels and Brick Panels.
Lead time – Dependant on complexity of design.

3. Steel Backed – As type 1 but bonded to steel backing lintels. Using Steel lintels means the arch can come fixed to a cavity lintel straddling both skins of brickwork and blockwork.
Lead Time – 2/3 weeks.

These methods also allow for the arch to be seen from beneath with brick soffits for when your openings are set back from the brickwork.
The concrete backing lintels have cast in lifting eyes for T12 lifting loops for mechanical hoisting into situ. The arches have steel or concrete barers that sit on the abutment brickwork for added structural support.
Preformed Brick Arch A illustration

Illustration Key

  1. Tapered voussoirs
  2. Stainless steel end bearing plates cast into concrete lintels
  3. Facing brick slips, factory bonded to face and soffit of lintel
  4. Reinforced concrete backing lintel
  5. Sockets for lifting eyes

Key Characteristics

A pre-formed structural brick arch is a ready-made unit designed for quick installation, with brick slips set into a rigid framework for support. These arches replicate traditional designs, offering the same load-bearing capabilities and aesthetic, but with faster installation and reduced on-site labour.

Advantages

These offer faster installation and easier handling due to its lightweight design. It replicates the look of traditional brick arches while using brick slips, reducing the load on the structure. The precision of off-site manufacturing ensures consistent quality, and its lighter weight makes it ideal for projects where full bricks aren't feasible, while still achieving the same aesthetic and structural efficiency.

Limitations

This is the most expensive method of arch construction, with the longest lead time.

Lead Time 3/4 Weeks.

For a more traditional solution using full bricks, see our Loose Cut arches.