Category: Construction

  • Pontypridd Bridge

    Lighter Stone Bridges

    Stone bridges are inherently quite heavy. This can sometimes cause foundational or arch problems, prompting designers to come up with ingenious solutions.

  • Seam in a stone

    Choosing Quality Rock

    Even with a given type of stone, there can be considerable variation. It helps to recognize some basic signs of poor stone to ensure long-term durability.

  • New Resource Available: Glossary of Stone Arch Bridge Terms

    We have now added a glossary of stone arch bridge terms to the start menu. This glossary features descriptions, links and even labeled photographs.

  • DIY Mortarless Rubble Bridge

    Different Classes of Masonry Part 3: Rubble Masonry

    While rubble masonry is considered the lowest class of stone work, it still can be used to make enduring structures and is peculiarly suited to DIY projects.

  • Ligget Ford Bridge (Harrison Creek Bridge)

    Different Classes of Masonry Part 2: Squared-stone

    Squared-stone masonry is a method of building masonry to achieve a highly durable structure without resorting to the difficulty and labor required for ashlar.

  • Stone Bridge of Granite

    Different Classes of Masonry Part 1: Ashlar

    Ashlar is the highest grade of stone work, and features extensive stone cutting and tight fitting joints. Ashlar work is difficult, but very durable due to the precision required.

  • stone bridge

    Building Better Masonry

    Masonry is rewarding undertaking. There is no “magic” behind building enduring structures, rather, stone masonry is easily learned with practice.

  • Stone Bridge of Granite

    Tapered Arches

    Building an arch that is tapered by making the haunches thicker than the crown is a clever way to make a strong bridge without increasing the “hump.”

  • Stone Arch Bridge

    Capping Stone Walls

    The stones atop of a stone wall are fairly easily dislodged, especially for mortarless builds. Here are some ideas to help keep everything in place.