Bågbryggor

Bågbryggor are a type of quay construction used in Nordic harbors characterized by an arcade-like row of arches in the substructure. The deck rests on arched frames that span between piles or masonry abutments. The arch form distributes vertical loads and reduces bending moments, while the openings between arches allow water and sediment to pass, reducing harbor silting and wave impact. Materials historically included timber for the arches and piles, sometimes stone or brick for the abutments; in later periods, concrete was used. The design was well suited to shallow, rocky seabeds and windy conditions, and could be built by local craftsmen using available materials. Bågbryggor appeared from the late Middle Ages into the 19th century in the Nordic region, often forming a continuous quay along old harbors. With industrialization and modernization, many have been replaced or reinforced by straight keels and seawalls, though some examples survive as cultural heritage and are preserved by museums or municipalities. In contemporary engineering, the term is rarely used in new construction, where modern quay designs emphasize straight, load-bearing beams, corrosion-resistant materials, and modular components. Related structures include traditional arch bridges and other arch-based harbor structures that share the same principle of distributing loads through curved members.