Construction and Control Tools in Karbandi Construction Technology

Abstract The design and construction of karbandies from the beginning of the drawing of the plans to the stage of the construction of the domical vault always requires a careful review and control of the construction process. Several control and construction tools are currently used in the same traditional method in the construction of Karbandi elements, however, these tools have not yet been investigated in detail and no sufficient data are available in this field. Knowledge of construction manner and arrangement of karbandi elements and control methods in construction might result in the identification of solutions for restoration and maintenance of such traditional structures. Karbandi control and construction tools have not been specifically studied so far and insufficient information is available. Understanding how the components are built and assembled and how they are controlled during karbandi construction can help identify ways to maintain and repair these traditional structures. This paper aims to clarify the construction and control tools in karbandi construction technology, especially in the rectangular base, based on the teachings of traditional masters and by examining real examples. For this purpose, information was first extracted through library studies, field observations, and direct interviews with master builders and architectural conservators, and then the geometrical system of the samples was constructed by 3D modeling software. The result of the research shows that the construction of the karbandi by traditional architects is the same in general, but differs in detail. The construction differences are discussed in terms of how the bricks are arranged, the fillers and the centering, how the centering is constructed, the size of the base, and so on. These various factors are at the discretion of the architect, making decisions about the details of these features. Also, during the construction of the karbandi, the control of the horizontal and vertical alignment of the centering and components by the control tools is very effective in increasing the accuracy of the execution.