The Pont d'Avignon
A perfect example of a stone arch bridge is the Pont d'Avignon, located on the Rhone River in France. This famous bridge was build by Saint Benezet during 1178-1188. He based this bridge's model on the Roman arches, by using carfully cut stones and placing them together without mortar. However, by adding his own engineering techniques, Benezet shaped his arches elliptically rather than circularly. In using this shape, the bridge was able to span a little more than 110 feet per arch. Comprised of twenty ajoining arches, the beautiful Pont d'Agivnon bridge was able to withstand many years of erosion. In chosing to make an arched bridge, Benezet limited contact with the Rhone River and allowed for passage of small boats through the arches. During the 11th century, the arch bride was also the strongest form of bridge known. By having the bridge consist of twenty arches, the Pont d'Avignon was able to support more weight. Thus, its supports have less forces acting upon them.
Before 11th cenutry rolled about, the art of building arch bridges in Europe had declined with the fall of the Roman Empire. However, in an attempt revive the art which was lost, the Church preserved the documents of technology and arts. It also formed brotherhoods, which members helped travelers by building bridges. Thus, Benezet, a brotherhood member, built the Pont d'Avignon to help travelers cross the Rhone river. Now it stands as a tribute and memorial to Saint Benezet, who is buried in its bridge tower.
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