Why did the stone arch bridge, one of the four basic types of traditional bridges in China, stand for a hundred years without falling down?

The principle that the stone arch bridge will not collapse is to rely on the arc arch structure formed by the arch ring itself to decompose the vertical pressure into axial pressure, and then transfer it to the arch feet of the bank slopes on both sides.

Stone arch bridge, a kind of arch bridge with natural stone as the main building material, has a long history. Many bridges are attached with secondary buildings, such as the permanent archway at the bridgehead, while the famous stone arch bridge in front of Qionghua Island in Beihai, Beijing has a big and beautiful archway at both ends.

Stone arch bridge is one of the four basic forms of traditional bridges in China. Stone arch bridge system is diverse. Once it appeared in the history of Chinese bridge development, it developed rapidly. After the modern railway and highway bridge engineering technology was introduced into China in 1880, it still maintained its vigorous vitality, showing the wisdom of the ancient working people in China and the brilliant achievements in ancient bridge construction.

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History of stone arch bridge:

Stone arch bridge appeared earlier in the history of bridge development in China, but once it appeared, it developed rapidly, that is, after modern railway and highway bridge engineering technology was introduced into China in 1880, it still maintained vigorous vitality, and made great development by combining modern engineering theory and new building materials.

The two bridges introduced in this paper have been in Zhao Zhouqiao for 1400 years, and Lugou Bridge has stood on the turbulent Yongding River for nearly 700 years. Both of them are majestic and solid, and they still maintain their original style, which can be used by heavy vehicles. It is rare in stone bridges at home and abroad.

Zhao Zhouqiao's open-shouldered creation was seven centuries earlier than that of the West. The reason why it can last for a long time shows that the design and construction are scientific. Another example is the shallow foundation and short abutment in Zhao Zhouqiao. Many modern engineers are amazed because it survived many earthquakes and floods, which is no accident.

In a large number of historical facts, the technical achievements of ancient stone arch bridge "saving materials, skillful structure and high strength" are summarized, which is the consistent goal pursued by bridges and any buildings at home and abroad. At the beginning of the 6th century, China's skillful craftsmen displayed their intelligence and made bold innovations, and their brilliant achievements were worthy of pride.

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