Building an arch that is tapered by making the haunches thicker than the crown is a clever way to make a strong bridge without increasing the “hump.”
The Hill Bridge on Dry Creek, Augusta, Butler County, Kansas
The 1912 Hill Bridge near Augusta, Butler County Kansas is large stone bridge with an interesting history. This bridge is scheduled for reconstruction.
Capping Stone Walls
The stones atop of a stone wall are fairly easily dislodged, especially for mortarless builds. Here are some ideas to help keep everything in place.
A Classic Butler County Stone Arch Bridge: The Rock Creek Bridge
Though it has seen some damage, the stone Rock Creek Bridge near Latham in Butler County, Kansas by C. C. Jamison remains a favorite, scenic bridge.
Improving a Stone Arch Bridge’s Serviceability by Strengthening: Part 2
Here are several ways to strengthen a stone arch bridge, ranging from distributing loads over the arch to relieving the bridge from load altogether.
Improving a Stone Arch Bridge’s Serviceability by Strengthening: Part 1
To determine how to strengthen a stone arch bridge, it helps to understand how it behaves when overloaded in order to understand the forces at play.
Building Solid Foundations on Weak Ground
Where a stone arch bridge must be founded on soft ground, there are several simple steps can be taken to prevent settling of the structure.
The Wilson Bridge: Walter Sharp’s 1899 Dry Creek Bridge
The 1899 Dry Creek Bridge is the second oldest stone arch bridge in Butler County, Kansas, and has recently been given an excellent rehab.
Mortarless (Drystack) Retaining Walls
Mortarless stone retaining walls have to resist the perpetual thrust of the soil they are withholding. Here are several ways this can be done.
Mortarless Bridge Maintenance: Part 2
Mortarless stone arch bridges need extra care to ensure they are not overwhelmed by foliage and that friction between stones remains high.
Stone Arch Bridges 