Repointing mortar is a regular maintenance item in mortared structures such as stone arch bridges. In this post we examine the value and limitations of repointing.
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.
Working With Stone Part 4: Cutting Wedges
Here is a guide to cutting wedge-shaped stones using a bricklayer’s hammer. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.
Working With Stone Part 3: Hammer Cutting
Here are some basic pointers on hammer cutting stone. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.
Working With Stone Part 2: Tools and Basic Chisel Trimming
Here are some basic pointers on tool selection and basic chisel cutting. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.
Working With Stone Part 1: Some Basics
Here are some basic pointers on selection and placement of the stones used in a stone bridge. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic selection to cutting wedges.
The Masonry Joints
Making tight masonry joints is probably the trickiest part of building stone masonry. Fortunately, there are several ways to tighten the joints easily. Then too, masonry can be forgiving.
The Structural Significance of Solid Backing: Part 2
Solid backing provides some major structural support to stone arch bridges which use it. In fact, the backing can, to a degree, act as a load-carrying span in its own right.
The Structural Significance of Solid Backing: Part 1
Solid backing is actually a major structural component of a stone arch bridge which uses it. One of its advantages is that it provides a more consistent stiffness behind the arch.
Butler County’s Gothic Stone Culvert
We recently found another little-known stone arch bridge in Butler County, Kansas, north of Augusta. This culvert is unique as it features a pointed, Gothic-style arch.
Different Methods of Laying Arches
There are several ways to build a stone arch. Each method has advantages and potential pitfalls, but choosing the right one for you can make stone bridge building easier.
Stone Arch Bridges 