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Reference.org
Buttress
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<p>A buttress is an <a href="/facts/Architecture/FccThs8G">architectural</a> structure built against or projecting from a <a href="/facts/Wall/RsuthzLu">wall</a> which serves to support or reinforce the wall. Buttresses are fairly common on more ancient (typically <a href="/facts/Gothic_architecture/uhvWpQ2r">Gothic</a>) buildings, as a means of providing support to act against the lateral (sideways) <a href="/facts/Force/533Q1uzq">forces</a> arising out of inadequately braced <a href="/facts/Roof/JwpVpNRk">roof</a> structures. </p><p>The term <i>counterfort</i> can be synonymous with buttress and is often used when referring to dams, retaining walls and other structures holding back earth. </p><p>Early examples of buttresses are found on the <a href="/facts/Eanna/paPE7jPI">Eanna</a> Temple (ancient <a href="/facts/Uruk/8VY9FLDW">Uruk</a>), dating to as early as the 4th millennium BC. </p>