Arch bridge

Arch bridge
A double-arch stone bridge in Nagasaki, Japan
AncestorClapper bridge
DescendantTruss arch bridge, moon bridge (masonry)
CarriesPedestrians, vehicles, light rail, heavy rail, water
Span rangeshort, but often set end-to-end to form a large total length
Materialmasonry, concrete, wrought iron, cast iron, timber, structural steel
MovableNo
Design effortLow
Falsework requiredYes

An arch bridge is a bridge with abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side, and partially into a vertical load on the arch supports. A viaduct (a long bridge) may be made from a series of arches, although other more economical structures are typically used today.