Chimney

[Stubond]

I’m wanting to revert this back to original with arch however upon removing bricks I’ve discovered a crack in the wrought iron brace under the arch will it be okay to proceed or do I require a new arched brace

 

[JBR]

I have always understood that a well-constructed arch should be self-supporting. However, I suppose that depends on the state of the bricks, and I'm not qualified to comment on that I'm afraid.

 

[^woody^]

Yes, segmental arches are self- supporting. That steel is a "former" which allows the arch to be built without a traditional timber centre.