Category: Construction

  • 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    Are Stone Arch Bridges Outdated?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.

  • Stone Bridge of Granite

    Basket-Handle Arches: Strengths and Weaknesses

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

  • Stone Bridge of Granite

    Basket-handle Arches: The Elliptical and the Pseudo-elliptical Arches

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

  • Pontypridd Bridge

    The Challenge of Long-Span Arch Bridges

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