Construction – Stone Arch Bridges

Are Stone Arch Bridges Outdated?

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.

Walter Sharp, the famous stone arch bridge builder of Cowley County, Kansas, had a secret to building stone arches quickly and inexpensively.

Building mortarless stonework can be a challenge, but a simple look at how things move and what keeps them in place can bring rewarding results.

Arches are among the most challenging pieces of stonework to build. Fortunately, there are some simple design tricks can simplify their construction.