counterfort

[ koun-ter-fawrt, -fohrt ]

noun

1. a buttress, especially one for strengthening a basement wall against the pressure of earth.
2. a cantilevered weight, as in a retaining wall, having the form of a pier built on the side of the material to be retained.

counterfort

/ ˈkaʊntəˌfɔːt /

noun

1. civil engineering a strengthening buttress at right angles to a retaining wall, bonded to it to prevent overturning or to increase its bending strength

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterfort¹

1580–90; partial translation of Middle French contrefort, equivalent to contre counter- + fort strength (derivative of fort (adj.) strong)

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterfort¹

from a partial translation of French contrefort, from contre counter + fort strength; see fort

Example Sentences

The talent of Baccio was so highly esteemed by that Pontiff, that he would never have done anything in the way of building without his counsel; wherefore, in the year 1480, hearing that the Church and Convent of S. Francesco at Assisi were threatening to fall, he sent Baccio thither; and he, making a very stout counterfort on the side of the plain, rendered that marvellous fabric perfectly secure.

From Project Gutenberg

Each counterfort extended back 16 ft. and was 4 ft. thick for a height of 6 ft. and then 3 ft. thick.

From Project Gutenberg

These forms were built full height in 16-ft. sections with a counterfort coming at the center of each section.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus when an arch is built to bear against an upright wall, a buttress or other counterfort is applied in a direction opposed to the pressure of the arch.

From Project Gutenberg

In a counterfort, the inclined rods are sufficient to take the overturning stress.

From Project Gutenberg