Structural Design of the Pont du Gard
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 112, Issue 1
Abstract
The structural engineers of classical Rome are reputed to have been careful and methodical, but also uninspired, tradition‐bound and overly conservative. Yet the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct bridge in southern France, was boldly conceived and designed. The structure is described and several of its structural features are examined in the light of insights presumably gained only during the last few of the 20 centuries since its construction. It is concluded that the design is far from being supersafe or wasteful, and that the bridge is reasonably stressed and amazingly efficient. The findings suggest, in fact, that the designer understood structural behavior uncommonly well.
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Copyright © 1986 ASCE.
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Published online: Jan 1, 1986
Published in print: Jan 1986
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