Spanning the Centuries - The Masonry Arch

Spanning the Centuries - The Masonry Arch
Gary Salter BE, MSc, C.Eng, MICE, MCIWEM, MIHT.

Conservation Accredited Engineer
18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

Purpose of talk: to raise awareness of stone
arch bridges in Ireland
• To illustrate the long history, amazing durability
and inherent strength of masonry arches
• There are over 18,000 masonry bridges
supporting public roads in Ireland. Most are over
150 years old and need repair
• To demonstrate repairs are preferable and usually
cheaper than replacement
• To show a conservation approach is practical and
can and should be used.
• Engineers are, or should be, custodians of this
huge infrastructural heritage asset and have a
responsibility to society to conserve these
structures for future generations.
Plan for talk
• A brief history of arches and shapes
• A simple and elegant way to demonstrate
arch behaviour discovered in the 17th
century
• Some Irish examples
• Case studies of bridge works in Sligo

Probably the oldest bridging structures in the country
3000BC

1800’s road bridge versions of post and lintol

Superstructure and substructure failure.
Major repairs and new structural deck at €52k A replacement bridge would have
cost about 50% more when complete. Where there is a will there is a way!
By Direct Labour Sligo Co. Co. plus specialists, Colas Ltd.
gs c 6
Very early lintel bridging and corbelled arch/dome.
Circa 5000 years ago

Nineteenth century bridge corbelling – Co. Sligo.

Beams to arches
18/11/2013 Attributed to J Ruskin

The Romans were masters of masonry arch building
18/11/2013 Attributed to goggle

Bridges have symbolic importance
18/11/2013 Courtesy of the State

Alcantara Bridge, built to last. 2nd Century A.D.
18/11/2013 Attributed to Bridge Engineering by L F Troyana

Zhaozhou Bridge, Ebei Provence, China.
Attributed to Bridge Engineering by L F Troyana

18/11/2013
Ireland and Britain were way behind in technology
and spans
• Romans were building amazing aquaducts and arch
bridges of 28m span around 2 thousand years ago
• The Chinese were also prolific arch builders with the 7th
century Zhaozhou bridge spanning 35m.
• When arch construction started in Ireland and Britain in
circa 1100ad, 3m and 6m were the maximum we could
manage. The original London bridge was 36’ [c11m] a
hundred years later but by that stage the French had
constructed multi-span and beautiful bridges such as
Avignon Bridge with 34m spans.
• We had to wait for Sarah’s bridge, built some 600 years
later to see its rival here.

Arch shapes and dating
stone bridge
18/11/2013 Gary Salter

Bridge proportions in Ireland
A helpful guide to age.
NB: Old maps

Thirteenth to sixteenth century are also useful
to aid dating.
Late seventeenth century

Very early Irish arch bridge circa 1210ad

Seventeenth century Irish bridge, in Sligo
• Markeviecz br photo

Early arch theory.
An elegant line.
18/11/2013 Gary Salter C 19

Robert Hooke 1676
• He published the statement “as hangs

the flexible line, so but inverted will
stand the rigid arch”, at the end of his
printed lecture on “Helioscopes and some
other instruments.”
• He however did not solve the associated
actual mathematical problem.

A chain hanging between two fixings forms a
catenary that is close to a parabola.

A chain with symmetrical loads added

“So but inverted” - is the natural thrust line of a compression
member subjected to identical loading configuration.

Pontypridd Bridge, River Taff
built by W Edwards finally c 1759
140’ span (42m) – Edwards final and lasting solution.
18/11/2013 Source – the masonry arch

Thrust line due to arch self weight and fill for
Pontypridd Bridge- simplified.
18kn per cu m
20kn per cu m
13kn per cu m
Gary Salter C - plot courtesy of Obvis Ltd

18/11/2013
Pontypridd Bridge 1759 – still standing
18/11/2013 Courtesy of Masonry Arch Bridges by J Page

Arch envelope containing all the thrust lines for a point load
moving across the arch

Simulation of a point load at worst location
18/11/2013 Gary Salter C and plot courtesy of Obvis Ltd

Typical 2D arch failure mechanism
Thrust line at limit
Hinges developing
Collapse mechanism

Barlow – 1846 demonstration to ICE
showing a number of possible thrust lines
18/11/2013 Attributed to The Masonry Arch by J Heyman after Barlow

Recent model for one of my previous talks for NW Region
in IT Sligo, constructed by students of IT Sligo.
18/11/2013 Gary Salter and IT Sligo C

Still standing- just! One of many possible thrust lines

Balancing thrust
• There are high horizontal components in
low rise arch thrusts. However, if multi
spanned bridges have similar spans and
rises then these thrusts balance and the
piers only need carry the vertical load (and
the difference between adjacent horizontal
components in adjacent spans).
• Understanding this and constructing all the
spans at the same time and rate resulted
in the realisation that pier widths could be
reduced enormously.
Pont de Neuilly
18/11/2013 Source google

Alexander Nimmo 1783 – 1832
• Born and educated in Scotland
• Became an Engineer in Ireland due to
Thomas Telford’s encouragement, aged 28
• Prolific output surveying bogs, coast line
and some seabeds
• Designed and built over 240 miles of roads
• Over 30 piers and harbours
• 38 bridges

Nimmo’s Irish bridges
• Nimmo’s bridges are largely in the poorer, rural

parts of Ireland, where minimizing cost was
paramount.
• The Sarsfield (Wellesley) bridge was an
opportunity for a large bridge where cost was
not the only consideration
• Nimmo had visited France and Germany in 1814
• Impressed with Jean R Perronet’s masterpiece –
Pont Neuilly across the R. Seine, Paris.

Wellesley Bridge, completed in 1835.
Sophisticated, complex three

dimensionally curved arch
intrados. A mathematical
marvel and hydraulically
effective.
18/11/2013 Source: A Nimmo by N P Wilkins

Alexander Nimmo 1783 – 1832, and unsung hero.
Wellesley (Sarsfield) Bridge, river Shannon, Limerick
18/11/2013 Source: Industrial Ireland by C Rynne

Erriff Bridge, N59, north of Leenane, Co Mayo,
by A. Nimmo, carrying unrestricted loading with no sign
of distress, now c180 years old.

Erriff Bridge Details.- a beautiful structure.

Pullaphuca Bridge, Co Wicklow. Gothic revival by
A. Nimmo. 65’ span, 150’ above Liffey Gorge.

Some case studies.
• Rathgeean Bridge
• Ragwood Bridge
• Bellarush Bridge
• Coolbock Bridge
• Temple house Bridge (supplemental)

Engineers please consider this statement.
‘It is the duty of the Civil/Structural Engineer, to

preserve where ever possible (whilst taking account
of safety and purpose), these old bridges that have
performed so well over the centuries and indeed
have out performed and out lived many of the
bridges constructed more recently. We are, or
should be, custodians of this part of the built
heritage of the nation, (the work of previous
generations of civil engineers), and we should
maintain this past to look back on, for the future.’
Monday, November 18, 2013 G J Salter C 43

Approach – conservation philosophy
• Presumption to conserve is always the
starting point, (whether listed RPS, NIAH or
not)
• Requirement to fulfil function as a public
road bridge
• Minimum intervention, if possible
• Reversibility if possible
DMRB for the first time acknowledged the importance
of old road structures with the publication in 2003 of
BD98/03- “The conservation of highway structures”.

Rathgeean Bridge, Co Sligo. Pre 1837.

Drainage works of earlier times

Defects and H & S

Cut water reconstruction
Reuse of existing stone , rough coursing

like with like. Integration into parapet
Construction.
Random rubble core with NHL3.5

Course sand and grit.

Cutwater and parapet rebuilding and weird copings

Completion?

Subsequent lateral movement within 6 weeks
and then parapet collapse.

Urgency. Took down about 10 linear metres of parapet ,
over the retaining walls (wing walls)

Considered options. My solution: ground beam grid plus
tie bars and patress plates.

Ready mixed truck clear of the structure

Completed project, rebuilt parapet on line with narrow
rubbing strip. Resurfacing of entire deck has been
carried out since

Completed downstream elevation.

Ragwood Bridge Widening R294, Co.Sligo.
Widening common issue for LA’s
Decision makers, there are option-

widen sympathetically, or poorly or demolish and replace?
This is Conservation if the alternative is to demolish the c200
year old structure and build a new wider replacement bridge or
widen in an ugly unsympathetic manner.

Ragwood Bridge - Cross section

Foundations and scour prevention

Abutments and piers using NHL5 mortar.

Arches under construction- no cement in sight!

Topping out!
New and old intrados

Completed bridge extension- river training to follow.
Good for another 200 years!

Bellarush Bridge Conservation,
Lough Arrow, Co. Sligo
• The bridge consists of three notionally segmental
arches of approximately 9 feet spans with two
massive piers c10 feet wide, each with triangular
upstream cutwater rising to road level.
• Almost definitely the oldest bridge in County Sligo.
Thought to be well over 400 years old. Its
proportions and construction however suggest a
much older structure.- possibly even thirteenth
century
• RPS and NIAH
• The Unshin River is an SAC –salmon, lamphrey
and trout.

Upstream view prior to works .
Typical random
rubble construction,
common in
medieval Irish
bridges

Pre works upstream views
Substantial mortar loss
and cut water
degradation

More problems
Missing masonry in flood arch

The old and the not so old.
18/11/2013 Gary Salter and OS map first edition 1837

Work in progress – removing vegetation and humus
Parapet and wing wall

showing the joint size and
extent of pointing required.
Cutwater cappings in various states of decay

prior to repair. Grass verge and
Careful protection of the water course in place. damaged parapets with
missing copings.
Procedures
Ecology - EU Habitats Directive

• Unshin River which is a SAC with sensitive habitats in the immediate area.
• The NWFB were contacted to establish their requirements with respect to protecting
the spawning areas of salmon and lamphrey habitat etc.
• A bat survey was carried out.
• The NPWS inspector met with Sligo County Council on site to agree the most
appropriate means of protecting the SAC.
• A detailed Method Statement for the necessary works was written taking into
consideration all of the above.
• Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment, confirmed that the works could be carried out
without the likelihood of “any significant effect” on the habitat. Screen out if possible
or else NIS and a 5-6 month wait from ABP under the new system.
Archaeology.
• The bridge itself is a listed structure on the Record of Protected Structures in the
County Development Plan, and significantly
• It is considered a National Monument due to its age (SL 034-251).
• A detailed record of the proposed works was submitted to the DEHLG because the
structure was deemed A National Monument (because of its suspected age ).
• Ministerial Consent was necessary and received allowing the work to proceed subject
to specialist supervision and a number of conditions,
• An Archaeologist was engaged on the project.
• A completion report was required by the Department.

Completed repairs to minor flood relief arch.

Capping, repaired parapet and verge treatment.

SCC- direct labour works by trained staff, 2012.
Government cut backs threaten future DL works, as
retiring staff are not being replaced .

Coolbock Bridge, Co. Sligo, completed 1862.

Reading the structure.
Engineering design in reverse.

Supporting the ornate string stone to rebuild the
pilaster below. 2013 works programme.

Cleaning and pointing

Dressed stone pier and cutwater. Tree growth!
Cutwater impost
repositioned
June 2010 February 2013
Gary Salter C
18/11/2013
Something unusual

Sub structure -pointing

Parapets- repaired inappropriately with strap
pointing and cement render c1960.

Road side work- restoration in progress
Works by Sligo Co Co – outdoor staff

Parapets re-pointed and deck reprofiled and surfaced

Repaired elevation (downstream) Oct. 2013.

Typical serious defects- another lecture in itself.

Major repair
• Sometimes serious intervention is unavoidable.
• Major repairs and strengthening can take many
forms and usually can be done sympathetically.
• Stone arches are inherently strong and repairs
to restore back to good condition may be
enough.
• The following project involves unstable and
failing wingwalls of a listed bridge on a local
primary road.

Supplement
The following Templehouse Bridge case
study, was not included in the talk due to
time constraints. However it is included in
this handout to demonstrate that where
major intervention cannot be avoided in
order to maintain public highway safety,
and compromise is necessary, the outcome
can be still be satisfactory.

Templehouse Bridge – built 1812.
An elegant, symmetric 5 span elliptical arched structure, spans
between 5.5 and 6.5m. Recent 200th birthday!
18 November 2013 G J Salter C

Arches were/are in a satisfactory condition, but badly
leaning and falling wing walls compromised the structure.
Just prior to
collapse.

Assess the reason(s) for the problem
• Collapsing NW wingwall and badly leaning and

bulging NE wingwall supporting road
embankment and bridge, subsiding foundations
• Why is it happening? Establish the cause.
• Various Options -at least 5 were considered
• Chosen option – given situation and conditions
• Major intervention! Sometimes this is necessary.
• Considerations: River NHA, Traffic, Ground

Conditions, Listed Structure, Disruption

Numbering the stones for re-erection

Major intervention deemed the best solution
• In house analysis and

design
• In house planning,
programming, site
supervision and
control
• Construction by Out
door staff Beware of thrust and
potential toppling bridge
spans!

Road closure and diversion routes in place.
Preparing the formation – Placement of precast rc
blinding concrete on cl 804 retaining wall units, by
on polyfelt sf 60. Note: spine Banagher Concrete Ltd
walls.

Base reinforcement prior to in situ concrete base pour.
A raft solution to spread the load and minimise
settlement.

Masonry newel and rebuilding limestone facing stones –
some 6’ long pieces of limestone.

Reconstruction works underway
Clear view of limestone facing

blocks, top of precast wall unit
and the rebar tie-in at the infill
portion. Old parapet construction
was essentially a cavity wall, which
facilitated rebar strengthening
for containment. Not usually the case.

Completion works
Coping under construction
on re-built masonry parapet Restored carriageway and
walling- to match existing coping
coping.

Upstream view after works and last month.

Summing up.
• Two of the case studies chosen do not involve bridges in imminent
danger of collapse but demonstrate a conservation approach
applicable to most stone bridges.
• There are many thousands of stone bridges in the country in very
poor condition, usually due to neglect.
• The conservation principle “repair rather than replace” is the
essential message to decision makers/budget holders and others
involved.
• In my experience it is generally a cheaper option to repair rather
than demolish and build a modern replacement.
• Stone arches are inherently strong and rarely fail due to loading.
• There are obvious heritage and social advantages in retaining,
maintaining and occasionally strengthening. It’s a win, win
scenario.
• Total replacement of arches is rarely necessary and should only be
considered as the very last resort. When in doubt consult a specialist.
• A bridge that has lasted 150 years or more, may well last another 150
years, given a bit of help!

The Abbey Bridge (Boyle), was built around 1210AD. It
is still carrying single lane unrestricted traffic loading.
“Masonry arches truly can span the centuries.”

Thank you.
gsalter@sligococo.ie

Conservation in standards
• Conservation is defined in BS 7913, as “The principles
of the Conservation of Historic Buildings as: “Action
to secure the survival or preservation of structures of
acknowledged value for the future.” Many definitions
included, therein.
In 2003 the DMRB for the first time acknowledged the
importance of old road structures with the publication of
BD98/03- “The conservation of highway structures”.
It covers, the listing structure in the UK and NI,
conservation strategies, application of principles, and a
few other matters. Irelands listing is similar, ie structures
of national, regional or local importance.
• Listed or not, most stone road bridges can and should be
retained and repaired- heritage and social value etc.
30th August 2013 g salter C 103

Conservation principles, according to
BD89/2003
1. Bridges are best kept in use and maintained in
their original form and performing the same
function and structural action.
2. Minimal change to structure and appearance
3. Modifications should involve no loss in
character, minimal loss of historic fabric and
minimal adverse effect on the setting
4. Minimal introduction of new materials and
methods.
5. All work should be undertaken using
appropriate materials and traditional methods
of application.,
6. Preference for reversibility of modifications
7. Record keeping of before during and after
works
30th August 2013 104
G Salter C

Spanning the Centuries - The Masonry Arch

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Spanning the Centuries - The Masonry Arch

Gary Salter BE, MSc, C.Eng, MICE, MCIWEM, MIHT.

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

Circa 5000 years ago

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Attributed to J Ruskin

18/11/2013 Attributed to goggle

18/11/2013 Courtesy of the State

18/11/2013 Attributed to Bridge Engineering by L F Troyana

Attributed to Bridge Engineering by L F Troyana

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter

NB: Old maps

Late seventeenth century

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C 19

• He published the statement “as hangs

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

140’ span (42m) – Edwards final and lasting solution.

18/11/2013 Source – the masonry arch

Gary Salter C - plot courtesy of Obvis Ltd

18/11/2013 Courtesy of Masonry Arch Bridges by J Page

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C and plot courtesy of Obvis Ltd

Thrust line at limit

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Attributed to The Masonry Arch by J Heyman after Barlow

18/11/2013 Gary Salter and IT Sligo C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Source google

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

• Nimmo’s bridges are largely in the poorer, rural

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

Sophisticated, complex three

18/11/2013 Source: A Nimmo by N P Wilkins

18/11/2013 Source: Industrial Ireland by C Rynne

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C 41

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

‘It is the duty of the Civil/Structural Engineer, to

Monday, November 18, 2013 G J Salter C 43

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

Reuse of existing stone , rough coursing

Random rubble core with NHL3.5

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C

18/11/2013 Gary Salter C