<P> Arches have many forms, but all fall into three basic categories: circular, pointed, and parabolic . Arches can also be configured to produce vaults and arcades . </P> <P> Arches with a circular form, also referred to as rounded arches, were commonly employed by the builders of ancient, heavy masonry arches . Ancient Roman builders relied heavily on the rounded arch to span large, open areas . Several rounded arches placed in - line, end - to - end, form an arcade, such as the Roman aqueduct . </P> <P> Pointed arches were most often used by builders of Gothic - style architecture . The advantage to using a pointed arch, rather than a circular one, is that the arch action produces less thrust at the base . This innovation allowed for taller and more closely spaced openings, typical of Gothic architecture . </P> <P> Vaults are essentially "adjacent arches (that) are assembled side by side ." If vaults intersect, complex forms are produced with the intersections . The forms, along with the "strongly expressed ribs at the vault intersections, were dominant architectural features of Gothic cathedrals ." </P>

What do pointed arches do with the weight of a structure