What's supporting this arch?

[Andrew Crosland]

Late 1970s house. Previous occupant told us there used to be an arch that they had "bricked up". We know from neighbours that the openings are original "as built" features.

Investigation has revealed the metal angle bead around the opening, complete with woodchip paper, LOL. The image shows the right hand end of the arch.

The problem is that the arch seems to be just celcon or similar blocks. There's no evidence of any lintel or other support.

Any ideas how the arch might have been constructed?

Even if the wall is not load-bearing, surely the blocks would need more support than a bit of angle beading?

 

[JohnD]

An arch supports itself.

The angle bead is just for the plaster edge.

 

[Andrew Crosland]

Brunel not withstanding, it's very shallow for a self-supporting arch. Additionally the mortar joins seem to vertical, not radial around the arch.

 

[^woody^]

There are flat arches.