The keystone, while generally no more important than any other arch stone, does require some special attention to fit properly.
Author Archives: StoneArchBridges
B. P. Lindsey is a Kansas resident who has extensively studied the stone bridges of the Sunflower State, most notably those of Cowley County. He is a writer with a love of the past — studying how people lived and how things were done in the old days. He also enjoys physics and building things. He has a particular interest in masonry and enjoys experimenting with various ways to build stone arch bridges — including two completed stone arch footbridges. He always has plans for another stone arch bridge down the road. You can find him at StoneArchBridges.com.
A Very Early Stone Arch Culvert in Butler County
A very early stone arch culvert was built at El Dorado, Butler County, Kansas in 1882, associated with a long-gone mill.
Care of Stone Arch Bridges With Insufficient Waterway
Stone arch bridges with very insufficient waterway often need a little more care and maintenance than a larger bridge to remain useful.
The Cedar Ford Bridge
The 40-foot-span Cedar Ford Bridge in Butler County, Kansas is a graceful stone bridge, which has been bypassed by the creek it once spanned.
Effective Arch Thickness
Effective arch thickness is the measure of how much of an arch’s thickness is supporting weight. This means that even imperfect arches can be strong.
Progress in Butler County Stone Arch Bridge Building Part 2
The last few years of stone arch bridge building in Butler County, Kansas, brought improvements in design which were unique even to the state.
Progress in Butler County Stone Arch Bridge Building Part 1
The earliest stone arch bridges of Butler County Kansas had flaws, which led to a gradual evolution of the county’s stone arch bridge designs.
A Record Stone Arch Bridge Span in Butler County, Kansas: The Diller Bridge
The 45 foot span Diller Bridge over the Walnut River near Cassoday, Butler County, Kansas, is a scenic, record-span stone bridge built to last.
Cutting Stone
Stone cutting is a useful skill which allows for building better masonry. Various stones have specific ways they need to be cut for good results.
Scour Aprons: Simple and Effective Protection for Stone Bridges
Scour aprons remain the most effective way to prevent undermining of a bridge structure by hindering the water from directly eroding the foundations.
