ABSTRACT
Masonry arch bridges have been built for over 2000 years and have proved to be the longest-lasting bridges around the world. Masonry arch bridges have been built over 2000 years and form around 40% of European bridge stock. The cost of construction, whole life cost and environmental impact for masonry arch bridges are indicated to be competitive against other bridge types. Masonry bridges have the lowest maintenance needs and highest level of sustainability out of all bridge types. One of the reasons for the lack of new masonry arch bridges is the expected high construction costs. In Europe documentation relating to masonry arch bridges is largely associated with the repair and maintenance of existing masonry arch bridges. The 'Arch design in the Canadian masonry design standard' is a briefing document, discussing geometric proportions, arch, abutments, thrustline analysis, design calculations, eccentricity, shear force and limit factor.
