Design – Stone Arch Bridges

Bridge Abutments

Stone arch bridges must have substantial and properly designed abutments in order to resist the enormous thrust of the arch without yielding.

The beautiful Minos West Ford Bridge built by C. C. Jamison in southern Butler County, Kansas was considered a masterpiece even in its own time.

While many historic stone arch bridges are too narrow by modern traffic standards, there are several viable ways to non-destructively widen them.

Using the state’s abundant native stone, Kansas built many stone arch bridges as an enduring and affordable means of bridging the streams.

Using solid backing material behind the arch of a stone arch bridge is a sure way to increase the structure’s durability.

The weakest point of a stone arch bridge of limestone is the waterline masonry, for it is prone to disintegrating in water.

Basket-handle arches have some unique, beneficial characteristics as well as some serious weaknesses as a result of their unusual shape.

Essentially a cross between Roman and segmental arches, the basket-handle arches form a unique group of intriguing arch designs.

Before Cowley County, Kansas began building its famous stone arch bridges in earnest, the city of Winfield built one at the entrance of Island Park.

Building mortarless stonework can be a challenge, but a simple look at how things move and what keeps them in place can bring rewarding results.