ARCH BRIDGE

INTRODUCTION:

DEFINATION:
Arch bridge is one of the most popular types of bridges, which
came into use over 3000 years ago and remained in height of
popularity until industrial revolution and invention of advanced
materials enabled architect to create other modern bridge designs.
However, even today arc bridges remain in use, and with the help of
modern materials, their arches can be build on much larger scales.

The basic principle of arch bridge is its curved design, which

does not push load forces straight down, but instead they are
conveyed along the curve of the arch to the supports on each end.
These supports (called abutments) carry the load of entire bridge and
are responsible for holding the arch in the precise position unmoving
position. Conveying of forces across the arch is done via central
keystone on the top of the arch. Its weight pushes the surrounding
rocks down and outward, making entire structure very rigid and
strong.
 Because of this design, stone and wood arch bridges
become very popular during the Roman Empire, whose architects
managed to build over 1000 stone arch bridges in Europe, Asia and
North Africa. Many of those bridges remain standing even today,
giving us the chance to personally see the wonders of the ancient
architecture.

Roman designs were usually made with semicircular arches,

although several segmented arch bridges were made during their
reign. These segmental arch bridges had one crucial design
advantage which separated them from ordinary semicircular bridges
– they enabled bridge builders to more arch of the bridge much
higher and lower the mass of the entire structure. These changes
enabled bridges to much easier survive stresses of floods and strong
rivers.
 During the life of Roman Empire, they built many wondrous
bridges, lengthy aqueducts with multiple arches, bridges with flood
openings on the piers, and many others.

As centuries went on, medieval architects improved the

designs of Romans, creating arch bridges with narrower piers, thinner
arch barrels, lower span-rise rations, pointed arches, and increased
spans of arches (increasing to over 70 meters, most famously on the
bridge at Trezzo sull'Adda who was in use from 17th to the end of 18th
century). Renaissance architects infused into arch bridges not only
sound engineering, but also fashion of their time, creating some of the
most beautiful and famous bridges, of the modern human civilization
(such as Rialto Bridge in Venice). In the last 150 years, iron, steel and
concrete enabled creation of much more ambitious arch bridges which
can now be seen in every country in the world.
Types of Arch Bridges

Corbel arch bridge – Even though Corbel arch does not function in the
same way as true arch bridges (they are not conveying forces across
the arch), they can be created to look very similar like them. They are
made by laying successive layers of masonry or stone with each
having successfully larger cantilevers.
Aqueducts and canal viaducts – To bridge large distances, ancient
romans built series of supports which were connected with stone
arches. These series of arched structures were butt not only in one
layer like ordinary bridge, but with several layers that could reach very
impressive heights.
Deck arch bridge – Common arch bridge in which deck is situated on
top of the arch.
Through arch bridge – Arch Bridge in which deck is not situated
completely above the arch, but it travels in one part below it and is
suspended to it via cables or tie bards. Famous Sydney Harbour
Bridge is the best example of this design.
Tied arch bridge – Also known as bowstring arch bridge, it
incorporates a tie between two opposite ends of the arch.
Design Technology

The load at the top of the key stone makes each stone on the
arch of the bridge press on the one next to it. This happens until
the push is applied to the end supports or abutments, which are
enbedded in the ground.
The ground around the abutments is squeezed and pushes back on
the abutments.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The ground
which pushes back on the abutments creates a resistance which is
passed from stone to stone, until it is eventually pushing on the key
stone which is supporting the load.
If any real city on our planet can claim an active stake in creating
the urban landscape of the future, it's probably Dubai.

Artificial islands arranged in the shape of the world?

Check. The world's only seven-star hotel?

Check. And in 2012, it will also become home to the largest, tallest
arch bridge ever.
Here's some info on the bridge as envisioned by New York architecture
firm
FXFOWLE:

- It's one mile long and 670 feet tall.

- It will have 12 lanes for traffic.

- It will cost 817 million dollars.

- The design has Sheikh Mohammed's official stamp of approval.

- The bridge will carry more than 2,000 vehicles per hour in each
direction.

- A metro line will run across the middle.

Advantages of Arch Bridges

1. Get Stronger Over Time

It is amazing how arch bridges get stronger the more they are used.
Since arch bridges are designed to compress, this compression causes the
materials to become more compact and closer to each other, firming the
foundation and enabling the bridges to withstand heavier loads.

2. Provide High Resistance

The curved or arched design allows the bridges to displace or spread

the weight evenly. Its foundations are fixed firmly on the ground yet its arched
element helps the even displacement of force on top of the arch bridges,
preventing the weight from pressing too hard on one area and weakening that
single area over time.

3. Made with Various Materials

Arch bridges are basic design that does not demand a particular
material. It may be built with traditional materials such as brick and mortar,
and does not even require steel bars or other modern materials. For this
reason, arch bridges are popular designs adopted by ancient builders
throughout the world.
Disadvantages of Arch Bridges

1. Have Limited Span

It is important for the foundations to be fixed and for the arches to be of
certain radius. The higher the arch radius, the higher the tension, and
the weaker the bridge. For longer arch bridges, more arches are built.
However, the cost and time needed to create multiple arches
considerably limit the span or length of arch bridges.

2. Time-Consuming to Build
As mentioned, it takes time to build arch bridges. It takes double or triple
the amount of time needed to build other bridge designs. The arches have
to be made with precision to ensure its strength and longevity. They need
to be symmetrical to ensure equal displacement of weight.
3. Require Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining arch bridges can be costly because simple cracks and damages due
to extreme weather, and natural wear and tear can compromise the bridges’
safety. The mortar that binds the materials together also become weak over time
and needs regular upkeep.
Arch bridges are aesthetically pleasing, and are one of the first architectural
designs adopted by ancient builders due to their strength and simplicity. Today,
natural materials widely used by ancient builders are scarce, so building
traditional arch bridges is costly or virtually impossible. Modern arch bridges
make use of contemporary building materials such as steel bars and concrete.
However, because of their short span and cost, arch bridges are no longer as
popular as they were before.