Forces – Stone Arch Bridges

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 and how the arch operating in compression makes it durable.

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 and how the arch operating in compression makes it durable.

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 and how the arch operating in compression makes it durable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Strength of a Mortarless Stone Bridge

A mortarless stone arch bridge can be quite strong, as the secret to a successful stone bridge is to keep all the forces in compression as opposed to “gluing” the stones with mortar.