Repointing mortar is a regular maintenance item in mortared structures such as stone arch bridges. In this post we examine the value and limitations of repointing.
Category Archives: Maintenance
Repairing Fill-Related Problems
Fill-related problems in a stone arch bridge take on several forms, but often result in bulging, sliding, and failure of bridge components. These problems can be addressed.
Hidden Structural Features
Many stone arch bridge feature subtle design features that are tucked away out of sight within the structure, which can greatly complicate rehab and load handling calculations.
The Different Kinds of Mortar
In this post we will briefly examine what makes the various types of commercially available mortar mixes different, and how this relates to repairing historic structures.
When Walls Bulge
Bulging walls in the approaches and spandrel walls of a stone arch bridge indicate excessive force against them. This type of problem is fairly simply addressed.
Understanding Longitudinal Cracks in Arches
Longitudinal cracking is a common defect on stone arch bridges. While often not overly serious, under the right conditions this cracking can indicate a major problem.
Monitoring Stone Bridges
Regular checking on the progress of any and all deterioration of a stone bridge can allow serious problems to be corrected early, saving future expense and trouble.
Understanding Mortar in Old Bridges
The design of a stone bridge, which often reflects the era of its construction, determines how critical mortar condition is for long-term stability.
Improving a Stone Arch Bridge’s Serviceability by Strengthening: Part 2
Here are several ways to strengthen a stone arch bridge, ranging from distributing loads over the arch to relieving the bridge from load altogether.
Improving a Stone Arch Bridge’s Serviceability by Strengthening: Part 1
To determine how to strengthen a stone arch bridge, it helps to understand how it behaves when overloaded in order to understand the forces at play.
Stone Arch Bridges 