Author: StoneArchBridges

  • Arch Centering in Place

    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

    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.

  • Pudden/Esch's Spur/Kirk Bridge

    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.

  • Brush Creek Bridge

    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.

  • Neer Bridge

    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.

  • Washed Out Roadbed

    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.

  • NW 130th Street Henry Creek Bridge

    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.

  • Hole in Roadbed of Esch's Spur Bridge

    Update on Esch’s Spur Bridge

    An update on the triple arch Esch’s Spur Bridge (Pudden Bridge) in Cowley County, Kansas mentioning severe damage sustained to the middle arch.

  • NE160th Street May Branch Whitewater River Bridge

    On Spandrel Walls

    The spandrel walls hold the fill of a stone arch bridge, and need to be correctly engineered to do so without gradually bulging and failing.