Tag: Spandrel Walls
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Load Distribution Within the Arch
The arch tends to gradually spread narrow loads over a larger area as the forces travel though the arch. In this post we outline why this is and some implications of this fact.
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The Spandrel Wall and the Arch
Stone arch bridges feature spandrel walls in order to create a reasonably level roadway. These walls, however, are also an important structural part of the bridge, allowing it to carry heavier loads.
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Understanding Longitudinal Cracks in Arches
Longitudinal cracking is a common defect on stone arch bridges. While often not overly serious, under the right conditions this cracking can indicate a major problem.
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A Cowley County Stone Arch Bridge Before Its Time: The Island Park Bridge
Before Cowley County, Kansas began building its famous stone arch bridges in earnest, the city of Winfield built one at the entrance of Island Park.
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Arch Building Simplified: Walter Sharp’s Secret to Building Stone Arch Bridges
Walter Sharp, the famous stone arch bridge builder of Cowley County, Kansas, had a simple secret he used to build stone arches quickly and inexpensively.
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On Spandrel Walls
The spandrel walls hold the fill of a stone arch bridge, and need to be correctly engineered to do so without gradually bulging and failing.
Stone Arch Bridges 