Construction – Stone Arch Bridges

The Keystone

The keystone, while generally no more important than any other arch stone, does require some special attention to fit properly.

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.

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.

Stone arch bridges from past centuries are widely used across the world, and stone bridges are even still built in some places.

Stone arch bridges must have substantial and properly designed abutments in order to resist the enormous thrust of the arch without yielding.

Using solid backing material behind the arch of a stone arch bridge is a sure way to increase the structure’s durability.

While drystack arches are more challenging to build than their mortared counterparts, following some simple rules can ensure rewarding success.

Basket-handle arches have some unique, beneficial characteristics as well as some serious weaknesses as a result of their unusual shape.

Essentially a cross between Roman and segmental arches, the basket-handle arches form a unique group of intriguing arch designs.

Do to how weight is loaded onto the arch of a stone arch bridge, long individual spans present an intriguing and difficult challenge.