Buttressdraad

Buttressdraad is a term found in Dutch-language architectural and structural literature that refers to a reinforcing wire used to help stabilize buttress elements in masonry or vaulted structures. The concept centers on using tensioned wire to brace buttresses and adjacent walls against lateral thrust and movement, thereby distributing forces more evenly within a structure. The exact definition and construction details can vary by region and historical period.

The primary purpose of buttressdraad is to resist the inward or outward forces generated by arches, vaults, and flying buttresses, which transfer thrust from the masonry core to the supporting elements. In historic buildings, buttressdraad has been employed to reinforce existing buttresses or to connect buttress nodes to surrounding walls, improving overall rigidity without extensive reconstruction. In modern practice, it can be used as a supplementary tension reinforcement in masonry projects or during retrofitting to enhance performance under seismic or wind loads.

Materials commonly used for buttressdraad are steel wires, often galvanized to reduce corrosion. Diameters and tensile strengths vary depending on local standards and the specific structural requirements. Installation typically involves embedding or anchoring the wire within mortar joints or using ties and anchors connected to the buttress and the adjacent wall, ensuring adequate tension transfer and alignment with the thrust directions.

In summary, buttressdraad describes a specialized reinforcing wire intended to bolster buttress-related stability in masonry structures. Its use ranges from historical preservation to modern retrofit work, with practices adapting to regional codes and architectural conditions.