Bogenbrücken

Bogenbrücken, or arch bridges, are a type of bridge in which one or more curved arches form the primary load-bearing element. The deck is supported at the arch ends, and the load from traffic is transferred along the curve into the abutments as compressive forces. This arrangement allows efficient use of materials such as stone, brick, or reinforced concrete and minimizes bending moments in the structure.

Arches can be semicircular, segmental, or elliptical. A masonry arch consists of interlocking voussoirs crowned by a keystone, with the arch thrust resisted by thick abutments or piers. In modern construction, arch bridges frequently use reinforced concrete or steel, and the deck can lie on top of the arch (deck arch) or be connected to the arch by vertical supports (through arch).

Historically, Bogenbrücken date to antiquity and were widely developed in the Roman era and throughout the Middle Ages. They proved durable and economical in regions with suitable materials and foundations, and they often contribute to the characteristic character of historic towns. Today, arch bridges remain common for short- to medium-span crossings, valued for their structural efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal, even as longer spans increasingly rely on alternative bridge forms.