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.
Category Archives: Construction
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stone Arch Bridges: Foundations
Many stone bridges were built with shallow foundations, often with various tricks added past and present to try to improve their stability.
How Arch Bridges Are Built
There is a basic process involved in building a stone arch bridge based on the fact that the arch cannot stand until all the arch stones are in place.
Stone Arch Bridges: The Concept Explained
The arch is unsurpassed as the most practical method of spanning gaps with stone, and its workings are surprisingly simple and intuitive.
Stone Arch Bridges 