Great Stone Bridge

The Great Stone Bridge, also known as the Zhaozhou Bridge, is located in southern Hebei province, China. Built by Li Chun between 589 and 618 CE, it is a significant example of early Chinese masonry-arch bridge construction.1

This bridge features a single span of 37 meters (123 feet) with a low rise of only 7 meters (23 feet) from the abutments to the crown. This low rise-to-span ratio, approximately 1:5, created substantial thrust against the abutments. To reduce weight, the builders incorporated open spandrels, which are the walls between the supporting vault and the deck. This design was rarely seen in Europe before the mid-18th century and foreshadowed later reinforced-concrete designs. The Great Stone Bridge's innovative construction allowed it to withstand considerable deformation.1