Stone Arch Bridges

Tag: Quality of Construction

  • Inside Towanda/Augusta Culvert

    The Classic Rubble Masonry Arch

    Arches constructed of rubble masonry are classic structures. They can be impressively strong, have their own unique characteristics, and are easy to build. Many stone bridges using this type of construction remain in use.

  • Cabin John Bridge

    Long Span Arches: Design and Limitations

    Long-span stone arch bridges have challenged builders for centuries. In this post we discuss some of the design considerations as well as the limitations encountered in long-span stone arch bridge construction.

  • Rubble Arch Detail

    Arch Building 101

    Arch building need not be a complicated process; rubble arches can be laid that are both easy to build and impressively durable. Many old medieval bridges in Europe testify to this.

  • Pudden Bridge

    Cowley Stone Bridge Designs: Innovation

    Based on Daniel B. Luten’s concrete bridge designs, Cowley built the innovative Esch’s Spur Bridge. Later, the Neer Bridge was erected, which is an engineering masterpiece.

  • Dunkard Mill Bridge

    Cowley Stone Bridge Designs: How it Began

    Cowley County, Kansas, was innovative in stone arch bridge construction. Initially learning from and copying Butler County’s stone bridges, Cowley began to build daring structures.

  • Silliman Bridge

    The Importance of Compression: Part 6

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we conclude with why an arch is a durable form of span.

  • Floral Bridge Plaque

    The Importance of Compression: Part 5

    In this series of posts we compare slab, truss, and arch bridges, and explain why compression is crucial to an arch. In this post we quote bridge builder Walter Sharp.

  • 1909 Walter Sharp Slab Bridge

    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. In this post we discuss slab bridges and reinforced concrete.

  • DIY stone arch culvert

    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.