There are several way to prevent scour, which is the worst enemy of stone arch bridges with shallow foundations as is common.
Two Obscure but Revealing Cowley Bridge Plaques
Some of the stone arch bridges of Cowley County, Kansas have elusive plaques, which tell an interesting story about the structure.
A Stone Arch Bridge’s Weight-Handling Abilities
The amount of weight a stone arch bridge can handle is related to a variety of factors including span, arch thickness, condition and more.
A Critical Part of Arch Building: The Centering
A stone arch under construction requires temporary support until it is completed. This support, called the centering, must be strong and well planned.
Pudden Bridge (Esch’s Spur Bridge): History and Heritage
We have released a detailed account of the unique history of Pudden Bridge, the famous triple-arch stone bridge near Dexter, Cowley County, Kansas.
Multi-Span Arch Bridges
Mutli-span stone arch bridges can be modestly challenging to build, but open up several possibilities for increasing waterway, if planned correctly.
Distorted Arches
While a distorted arch in a stone bridge is not always a problem, it often points to an underlying serious trouble elsewhere within the structure.
On the Stone Arch Bridges of Cowley County, Kansas
While Cowley County neither was the first nor the most prolific stone arch building region in Kansas, it’s famous for its massive stone arch bridges.
The Significance of the Fill Material in Stone Arch Bridges
The fill material within a stone arch bridge not only provides a roadway for vehicles, but also can strengthen the bridge… or cause trouble.
The Life of a Stone Arch Bridge
The length of time a stone arch bridge lasts is directly related the workmanship and foundations, with various treatments extending the bridge’s life.