Stone Arch Bridges

Category: Construction

  • Model Roman arch

    The Thrust of the Roman Arch

    The Roman arch has many subtle peculiarities, which in turn make it a good choice for bridge design. In this post we delve in depth into the properties of the Roman arch.

  • Oak Valley culvert (10)

    Abutment Design Theory

    Designing a stable abutment for a stone arch bridge requires that the abutment be thick enough that the thrust line of the arch be safely contained within the thickness of the abutment.

  • Loaded Paver Arch With Backing

    Backing: A Continuation of the Abutment

    Backing is used to provide resistance to the thrust of the arch of a stone arch bridge. In this post, we investigate good practice and using the backing, and demonstrate how it helps to significantly strengthen the arch.

  • SE Satchell Creek Road Rock Creek Bridge

    Mortaring and Cold Weather

    Mortaring becomes dicey during cold weather, as freezes can destroy the integrity of the mortar, making it little better than chalk in properties. Here are some tips to extend the building season without risking mortar freezes.

  • SW 90th Culvert

    Stone Bridge Designs to Prevent Scour

    There are several ways to design a stone arch bridge to help prevent scour down the road. The correct foundation design and an adequate span are key to long-term stability.

  • Tucking grout into arch joints

    Grouting a Rubble Arch

    Grouting a rubble arch is an important part of building a stone arch bridge with rubble masonry. In this post we investigate the process used to fill in the gaps in the joints of the arch.

  • 251st road culvert

    Why a Rubble Arch is Grouted

    Arches composed of rubble masonry are frequently grouted as the final part of the construction process. In this post we investigate why this is, as well as some details of this form of construction.

  • Black Crook Creek Bridge

    How Much Weight Can a Stone Arch Bridge Carry?

    How much weight a stone arch bridge can carry is dependent on several factors including arch thickness, arch shape, and weight distribution. In this post we look at these factors and how they relate to the whole.

  • Andes Bridge

    The Forces of a Low-Rise Arch

    Low-rise arches present unique stability problems related to the high horizontal thrust coupled with a very low tolerance for shifting or settlement of the abutments. That said, low-rise arches can be built to be stable structures.