arch bridges
Curved stone spans
Arch bridges are bridges that use a curved structure to transfer weight outward and downward to supports at each end.
The arch shape converts vertical load into compression, allowing spans of considerable length using stone, brick, concrete, or steel.
Ancient Romans mastered the form, and many of their arch bridges still stand: The Pont du Gard is a Roman arch bridge that also served as an aqueduct.
- spanDistance between endpoints
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- load bearingCarrying structural weight
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
- spandrelSpace flanking arch curves
abutment · engineering · Roman aqueducts · viaduct · river · river crossing · reinforced concrete · semicircular · masonry · curves · thrust · crossing · vault · buttress · roadway · Roman · ancient Rome · Roman engineering
- bridgesGolden Gate Bridge, London Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Tower Bridge, Bay Bridge
- ancient engineeringaqueducts, masonry, foundations, stonework, viaducts
- bridge engineeringgirders, beams, trusses, piers, abutments
arch bridgessuspension bridges
Roadways hung from cables
rope bridges · hanging bridges · floating bridges · pontoon bridges
arch, arcade, arched, bridges, archway, bridging, arching, arches, archways