Thursday, April 18, 2013

Dry Laid Stone Double Arch Bridge Kentucky


This bridge has had several repairs threw its life. The last make over in 2007 by a KY group / partnership correcting many of the errors others made before. The new limestone fits nice and tight to each other. Notice not only is this a double arch, but the angle of the bridge creates an additional challenge in building this structure.  Shaping each stone to fit correctly. 


Located on Glass Mill Rd, Wilmore, Jessamine, Kentucky 40390 close to the intersection of Figg Lane.


When I went looking for this structure I drove right over it not even know I had just missed it. I had to turn around and check each bridge in the area just to see if it was the right one. You can see from the photo above's above just how easy this would be to miss!


Once I got down under I was amazed at just how well every stone was place in each spot. Covering all the key rules. Making sure to break each joint. Locked tightly to each other. This is a  great example of just why arches have been used by builders from the earliest times. I always get a good laugh when people always say don't you need mortar? Ya NOPE. What's that. Stone on stone contact - Gravity and Friction! This bridge handles full size trucks driving over it.


2 major methods are used to cut these stones into the sizes and shapes needed. 1) Feather and Wedges as seen above drilling large stones into smaller pieces. The dead give away when you see stones with drill marks. 

Related Blogs: 

Wedge and Feathers Railroad Bridge Alesia to Lineboro Rd MD





2) The next major method used on this project was a Hydraulic Stone breaker called Stone Mason Mobil M50. Manufactured by CEE-JAY Tool Company


No matter how big or how small the same rules apply when building an arch. This is a great example dry laid stone construction. 


Monday, April 1, 2013

Video - How To Build A Segmental Arch for Natural Stone by Bill Noble Master Craftsman DSWA


Bill Noble Master Craftsman DSWA explains a simple method on how to build a segmental arch. Bill is well known for his years of shaping natural stone, taking on dry laid stone construction that no one else would. He is 4th generation with his daughter and son following his footsteps. Bill resides in Yorkshire UK.


Footage taken in Hanover Ontario Canada at the StoneWurx international festival 2012, Hosted by Ground Effects Landscapes, Project leader and creator of the Stable DSWA  Master / Examiner - Dean McLellan - Canada 

Related Blogs:
 - Stone Archway.