Category: Construction

  • Wolf Creek Bridge

    The Secret of the Arch: Practical Designs

    As seen in this post, the theory of the arch can be used to advantage to build stronger bridges. In keeping with the practical side of things, also included in this post is an empirical formula for arch thickness.

  • Glencoe Township Culvert

    The Secret of the Arch: The Principles

    The arch relies on compression to create a line of thrust that holds the arch stones in place. In this post, we investigate some of the theory of the arch and its line of thrust.

  • Silliman Bridge

    The Importance of Compression: Part 6

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we conclude with why an arch is a durable form of span.

  • Floral Bridge Plaque

    The Importance of Compression: Part 5

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we quote bridge builder Walter Sharp.

  • Bucher Bridge (1905)

    The Importance of Compression: Part 4

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we introduce an old-time builder named Walter Sharp.

  • Bridge 99, Cowley County, K.S.

    The Importance of Compression Part 3

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we discuss the wear that occurs to slabs and trusses.

  • 1909 Walter Sharp Slab Bridge

    The Importance of Compression: Part 2

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we discuss slab bridges and reinforced concrete.

  • Wolf Creek Bridge

    The Importance of Compression Part 1

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch and how the arch operating in compression makes it durable.

  • DIY stone arch culvert

    When to Use Mortar?

    In this post we discuss the practical and economical advantages and disadvantages of mortared and mortarless masonry in relation to DIY stone arch bridge building.