Arch Brick Taper Geometry: Avoid Gaps at Assembly
End and side tapers must match the arch radius, course layout, and intended joint thickness.
Arch bricks are shaped so a course can close around a curve without forcing thick or uneven joints. A familiar label such as end arch or side arch does not fully define the geometry. The taper direction, two thicknesses, and assembly radius must agree with the lining drawing.
Read the size in the correct orientation
A dimension written 230 × 115 × 75/65 may describe two thicknesses, but the order alone does not show which face points inward. Mark the hot face and the direction of taper. Check whether keys, skewbacks, or adjacent straight courses require a different shape.
Trial-fit before full installation
For a new arch, lay out a dry course or approve a sample against the drawing. Measure cumulative joint gaps rather than checking one brick in isolation. Small differences repeated around a curved course can leave an opening at the crown or force a distorted closure.
Royal's custom sizes page lists past arch and taper dimensions. Send the complete arch drawing for a new geometry.