| This dissertation challenges the practice of scholars to view ancient Maya arcuated structures as 'corbel' structures. Using architectural data from the Puuc region, it empirically evaluates the conceptual framework of the 'corbel' view, summarized by the following propositions: (i) each side of a corbel structure is an independent stable structure and thus, unlike a true arch or vault, no arch action (or thrust) is produced, and (ii) a corbel structure is built without extraneous means of support (e.g., centering) by stacking courses of masonry one atop of another until the sides meet at midspan. To test proposition (i), the stability (or capacity to resist overturning) of 384 vaults is analyzed. The findings indicate that there are two types of vaults. One is like a corbel structure--both sides of the vault are stable, and not subject to overturning; whereas, in the second type, the vault is prone to arch action because either one side or both sides are unstable. In consideration of these findings and those of another analysis, which models the loading conditions of vaults under erection, and properties of the materials, which are not masonry, as the corbel view presupposes, but structural concrete and stone facings, the author takes issue with proposition (ii), that vaults were erected without extraneous means, arguing instead that formwork was required to impart their intended shape and to prevent sagging of materials, permanent deformation of vaulting surfaces, and collapse from live and dead construction loads. Further, an examination of unfinished buildings reveals three distinct approaches to constructing multiroom buildings. One is similar to a modern approach, where the walls of all rooms were raised and then vaulting erection followed. Another is a 'modular' approach: walls and vaults were raised room by room until the intended number of rooms was reached. The third is a 'staggered' approach: construction of the walls and vaults of different rooms was carried out simultaneously. Employing graph theory techniques, the study also develops a multilevel classification system for building floor plans based on spatial organization properties and related properties of pedestrian circulation and catalogs the plans of single story buildings accordingly. |
