Tag: Design
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The Masonry Joints
Making tight masonry joints is probably the trickiest part of building stone masonry. Fortunately, there are several ways to tighten the joints easily. Then too, masonry can be forgiving.
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The Structural Significance of Solid Backing: Part 2
Solid backing provides some major structural support to stone arch bridges which use it. In fact, the backing can, to a degree, act as a load-carrying span in its own right.
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The Structural Significance of Solid Backing: Part 1
Solid backing is actually a major structural component of a stone arch bridge which uses it. One of its advantages is that it provides a more consistent stiffness behind the arch.
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Butler County’s Gothic Stone Culvert
We recently found another little-known stone arch bridge in Butler County, Kansas, north of Augusta. This culvert is unique as it features a pointed, Gothic-style arch.
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Different Methods of Laying Arches
There are several ways to build a stone arch. Each method has advantages and potential pitfalls, but choosing the right one for you can make stone bridge building easier.
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A Unique Old Cowley County Stone Bridge
We recently discovered another stone arch bridge in Cowley County, Kansas. This bridge features a unique arch composed of numerous thin stones and appears quite old.
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Building Rubble Arches
Stone arches made with rubble masonry are easy to construct, and can be quite strong. The key to successfully building a rubble arch is in the laying and shimming of the stones.
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Factors in Stone Bridge Survival
There are several common themes that appear to have determined which stone arch culverts built by Kansas townships have stood the test of time.
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Two New Additions to the Cowley Bridge List
We recently found two more stone arch bridges in Cowley County, Kansas, that are not on the county’s stone bridge brochure. These are both located in Otter Township.
Stone Arch Bridges 