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.
Tag Archives: Quality of Construction
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three Newly Found Cowley County Stone Bridges
Partially with the aid of an old newspaper article, we recently discovered three more little-known stone arch bridges in Cowley County, Kansas.
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.
James Kiser’s Culverts: Newly Found Butler Stone Culverts
In this post we investigate the history and builder of two stone arch culverts located in Butler County, Kansas near Leon on 120th Street that were recently found.
A Summary of the Dexter Township Culverts
In this post we summarize and show the locations of the nine stone arch bridges we found in Cowley County which are not on the county’s stone bridge brochure.
Stone Arch Bridges 