Curiously enough, the fill material used to create a level surface for the roadbed of a stone arch bridge is a surprisingly important topic. The typical stone arch bridge consists of an arch resting on abutments (which may or may not extend up above the arch springing, depending on how much weight … [Read more...] about The Significance of the Fill Material in Stone Arch Bridges
Construction
Segmental Arches
Segmental arches are arches with an arc less than a 180-degree Roman arch. They seem to have been popular primarily in the 1700s and 1800s, although they were occasionally built in medieval times — rarely even by the Romans. What is a Segmental Arch Bridge? The term "segmental arch" is … [Read more...] about Segmental Arches
On Roman Arches
The Roman arch, consisting of one half of a circle, is the typical rounded arch often seen with stone bridges. The Roman arch need not have a thick abutment to resist a horizontal thrust; rather, they start (“spring”) on a flat, horizontal plane. This makes them very easy to build, which is always … [Read more...] about On Roman Arches
Building Stone Arch Bridges: Masonry Basics
For the DIY enthusiast, building a stone bridge is a great project. Building with stone is actually is not so very hard once one acquires the knack; practice makes perfect. The best way to learn masonry is to do it. All you need to know are some masonry basics, and then you are ready to … [Read more...] about Building Stone Arch Bridges: Masonry Basics
Stone Arch Bridges: Who Built It?
One characteristic of masonry structures in general, and stone arch bridges specifically, is the fact that the person(s) who built the bridge inevitably left behind a hallmark. Not just any and all plaques, but the workmanship itself is often telltale. Each builder has his own method, and, in the … [Read more...] about Stone Arch Bridges: Who Built It?
How a Stone Arch Bridge Supports Weight
The stone arch bridge is a rather novel structure in the line of bridges. At a glance, it seems almost impossible that an arch, made of many discrete stones, could possibly stand, let alone support weight, yet that they do is entirely undeniable. Compression One more picturesque explanation of why … [Read more...] about How a Stone Arch Bridge Supports Weight