One characteristic of masonry structures in general, and stone arch bridges specifically, is the fact that the person(s) who built the bridge inevitably left behind a hallmark. Not just any and all plaques, but the workmanship itself is often telltale. Each builder has his own method, and, in the … [Read more...] about Stone Arch Bridges: Who Built It?
Design
Stone Arch Bridges: Spans and How Many?
When building a stone arch bridge, the question sometimes arises as to how many arches are needed. In some cases the answer is obvious; for instance, a small gap begs for only one arch. But there are times when multiple arches are advantageous, despite the fact that a pier in the waterway is … [Read more...] about Stone Arch Bridges: Spans and How Many?
Building a Stone Arch Bridge
It is often desired to build a stone arch bridge. Such a structure is scenic and, of course, lends a fine touch to landscaping. The question is how do you go about doing it? We have provided this short guide as a very general rule of thumb; the details of your construction will vary. We’ve based … [Read more...] about Building a Stone Arch Bridge
The Hydraulic Properties of Stone Arch Bridges
When building bridges, it is always necessary to take into account the hydraulic effects of the structure. Piers in a river, for instance, always cause interesting water-related phenomena. Not only is a pier vulnerable to being undermined by the action of water, a pier can obstruct trees and other … [Read more...] about The Hydraulic Properties of Stone Arch Bridges
Building Stone Arch Bridges: Arch Thickness
There is still a great urge to build stone arch bridges. Not, perhaps, on the massive scale of old, but as attractive, durable footbridges over small streams. When done right, the results are quite rewarding, and the building process itself can be enjoyable. Furthermore, a stone arch bridge should … [Read more...] about Building Stone Arch Bridges: Arch Thickness
Stone Arch Bridges: Foundations
The foundations of a stone arch bridge are the single most important factor in determining the life of the bridge. If the foundations are good, the bridge can last for centuries — or even a millennium! If the foundations are bad, the bridge may last but a few years, or even a few months. Failure of … [Read more...] about Stone Arch Bridges: Foundations