Coping (architecture)

The mural crown (also wall head) is a term that refers to function and appearance of the upper wall statements.

Technology

Technically, to protect the underlying wall surface against moisture top of the wall. For this purpose, if possible, larger flatter stone shapes are used to minimize the number of joints to a minimum. The joints have to be worked very carefully and closely. For additional protection, coping is often over a few inches and has a gutter edge. A mural crown can easily be designed from unprocessed capstones or artistic.

In dry-stone walls of sedimentary rock, the mural crown is usually made of upended stones ( so-called rolling layer). This increases the durability of the wall considerably: from the rolling layer itself can eg not so simple stones are thrown out by excess persons or animals, because the stones wedged into each other. For the underlying stones the rolling layer forms a superimposed load and stabilizes it.

Functions

Of special importance is the wall crown at:

• Fortifications, where it serves the military purpose
• Dams, where she also serves as a transportation route in addition to the stability

• Mauerbau