Stones – Stone Arch Bridges

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.

Mortar Maintenance Part 2: In Practice

Repointing mortar is a regular maintenance item in mortared structures such as stone arch bridges. In this post, we investigate the procedures for successfully repointing.

Working With Stone Part 4: Cutting Wedges

Here is a guide to cutting wedge-shaped stones using a bricklayer’s hammer. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.

Working With Stone Part 3: Hammer Cutting

Here are some basic pointers on hammer cutting stone. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.

Working With Stone Part 2: Tools and Basic Chisel Trimming

Here are some basic pointers on tool selection and basic chisel cutting. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic stone selection to cutting wedges.

Working With Stone Part 1: Some Basics

Here are some basic pointers on selection and placement of the stones used in a stone bridge. This is part of a series on stonework, ranging from basic selection to cutting wedges.

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.

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.

Using Feathers and Wedges to Split Stone

Feathers and wedges are simple-to-use and reliable tools that provide an easy means for obtaining reasonable slabs out of massive, irregularly shaped stones.

Four More Additions to the Cowley County Stone Bridge List

As a result of some searching, we found four small stone arch bridges near Dexter, Cowley County, Kansas, which do not appear on the county’s stone bridge brochure.