bridge arches
River-crossing structural curves
Bridge arches are the curved structural elements that support a bridge by transferring weight outward and downward to abutments at each end.
The arch shape converts vertical loads into compressive forces along its curve, allowing bridges to span considerable distances without requiring support from below.
Stone and brick arches have been used since ancient times; modern bridge arches may be constructed of steel, concrete, or reinforced materials.
The Roman aqueduct's bridge arches have stood for two millennia.
- stone masonryBuilding with cut rock
- reinforced concreteCement with steel bars
- Ponte VecchioMedieval Florentine bridge with shops
- abutmentLoad-bearing end structure
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
steel alloys · timber beams · haunch · pier · structural support · spandrel · cast iron · barrel vaults · deck · river crossing · cantilever · sustainable materials · flood mitigation · erosion control · habitat preservation · climate resilience
- Arch typesbarrel vault, keystone, springer, impost, archivolt
- concreteconcrete mixer, concrete pour, concrete slabs, concrete beams, concrete columns