Stone Arch Bridges

Category: Construction

  • Otter Creek Bridge

    Building Solid Foundations on Weak Ground

    Where a stone arch bridge must be founded on soft ground, there are several simple steps can be taken to prevent settling of the structure.

  • Drystack retaining wall

    Mortarless (Drystack) Retaining Walls

    Mortarless stone retaining walls have to resist the perpetual thrust of the soil they are withholding. Here are several ways this can be done.

  • 1905 Rock Creek Bridge

    The Keystone

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

  • Detail of a "Modified Sharp Arch"

    Effective Arch Thickness

    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.

  • Cutting stone

    Cutting Stone

    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.

  • Wolf Creek Bridge

    Are Stone Arch Bridges Outdated?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.

  • Floral Bridge

    Bridge Abutments

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

  • Collapsed Fox Bridge

    Advantages of Solid Backing for Arches

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

  • Mortarless Stone Arch

    Drystack (Mortarless) Arch Tips

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