Stone Arch Bridges

Tag: Quality of Construction

  • Inside Towanda/Augusta Culvert

    Laying Rubble Masonry

    Rubble masonry can be built for longevity. The key is how the stones are laid. Understanding the role of mortar and the importance of contact between stones is the key to success.

  • Arch Grout

    Making Strong Mortar

    Properly mixing and curing mortar can make a huge difference in the long-term durability of the mortar. If properly done, mortar can last for many years without maintenance.

  • Collapsed Fox Bridge

    Understanding Three-Leaf Masonry

    Three-leaf masonry is a form of masonry construction that consists of stone facing walls protecting a lower quality interior fill. In this post we investigate this type of masonry and its implications for repair.

  • Rubble Arch Detail

    Rubble Arch Building: Choosing the Stone

    Though some care is used in selecting and placing the stones in a rubble arch, rubble masonry can be readily used to build a strong arch for a stone arch bridge.

  • Stones inserted into to the arch joints

    The Challenge of Small Arches

    Small stone arch bridges present some unique building challenges by virtue of their small size. In some ways they are more difficult to build and less efficient in their use of material than larger arches.

  • Loaded Paver Arch With Backing

    Backing: A Continuation of the Abutment

    Backing is used to provide resistance to the thrust of the arch of a stone arch bridge. In this post, we investigate good practice and using the backing, and demonstrate how it helps to significantly strengthen the arch.

  • SW 90th Culvert

    Stone Bridge Designs to Prevent Scour

    There are several ways to design a stone arch bridge to help prevent scour down the road. The correct foundation design and an adequate span are key to long-term stability.

  • Tucking grout into arch joints

    Grouting a Rubble Arch

    Grouting a rubble arch is an important part of building a stone arch bridge with rubble masonry. In this post we investigate the process used to fill in the gaps in the joints of the arch.

  • Otter Creek Bridge

    Stone/Concrete Hybrid Bridges

    In the early days of concrete, stone and concrete were sometimes used together in bridges to create a unique form of hybrid construction. These structures can be durable, but have weaknesses due to the multiple types of materials used.