Stone Arch Bridges

Category: Construction

  • Stalter Bridge

    On Roman Arches

    The Roman arch is a half-round arch shape and is a sturdy choice for small spans. Due to its rise and thrust lines a Roman arch has its limitations.

  • Building Stone Arch Bridges: Masonry Basics

    Some of the basic rules of masonry, which, if followed, help ensure the successful building of a sturdy stone bridge or other stone structure.

  • Mortarless Stone Arch

    How a Stone Arch Bridge Supports Weight

    An arch supports weight by controlling the forces at play in such a manner that they are actually used to strengthen the arch’s spanning abilities.

  • Pudden Bridge

    Stone Arch Bridges: Spans and How Many?

    The pros and cons and design logic behind multi-span stone arch bridges. Multi-span arch bridges are often necessary for spanning wide streams.

  • Stone Bridge Under Construction

    Building a Stone Arch Bridge

    The basic process for determining where and how to build a stone arch bridge, with the DIY enthusiast kept specifically in mind.

  • Grouse Creek Flood

    The Hydraulic Properties of Stone Arch Bridges

    Stone arch bridges, like any other bridge, need to be designed with the properties of the stream they are to span kept in mind to ensure long life.

  • DIY Arch

    Building Stone Arch Bridges: Arch Thickness

    The thickness of an arch is determined by the arch’s type, span and masonry, with thicker arches generally being both forgiving and stronger.

  • SE Satchell Creek Road Rock Creek Bridge

    The Choice of Stone for Stone Arch Bridges

    While the stone for an arch bridge is generally reflective of local geology, different types of stone perform better in different parts of the bridge.

  • Buried Arch

    Stone Arch Bridges: Methods of “Turning the Arch”

    Making the wedge-shaped stones necessary to form an arch can be challenging, often prompting builders to utilize easier ways to “turn” stone arches.