Terreplein

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The terreplain (ab) on a casemate. Casemate.png
The terreplain (ab) on a casemate.
Manning Parade, terreplein, gun emplacements and the rear of the rampart at Fort Glanville. On Parade - Fort Glanville.jpg
Manning Parade, terreplein, gun emplacements and the rear of the rampart at Fort Glanville.

In fortification architecture, a terreplein or terre-plein is the top, platform, or horizontal surface of a rampart, on which cannon are placed, [1] protected by a parapet. [2] In Martello towers, the roof or terreplein was sometimes surmounted with one or two cannon mounted on a gun platform with a central pivot, that enabled the guns to traverse up to 360 degrees. [3]

In civil engineering works, a terreplein is an embankment of earth with a broad level top, which is sometimes excavated to form a continuation of an elevated canal across a valley. [1]

Notes and references

  1. 1 2 Webster's International Dictionary of the English Language, Vol 2, 1895
  2. ↑ Griffith, Paddy (2006), The Vauban Fortifications of France, Osprey Publishing, ISBN   978-1-841768755 (p. 63)
  3. ↑ Clements, Bill (2011), Martello Towers Worldwide, Pen & Sword Military, ISBN   978-1-84884-535-0 (pp. 37-38)
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