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Shape of the vault
Shape of the vault
The shape of the vault has to meet three requirements. In the first place you have to make sure that the construction does not collapse. The shape of the vault has to sustain the thermal expansion and contraction during heating and cooling down. After all the shape of the vault determines if there is a good heat accumulation and if air circulation is possible.
To make a homogeneous and well done loaf of bread you have to take the distance into account between the bread and the vault that functions as heat source.
Construction
Crosswise, the vault has the shape of an ellipse or basket-handle arch, where the stress is mainly distributed vertically. Make sure that the inside of the vault is shaped like a curve by setting the bricks close to each other.
Lengthwise, the ovular shape provides the best mechanical impedance.
Thermal expansion
During stoking, the vault will be under stress due to thermal expansion. A...