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Chinese Bridges Li's design included four small arches above the main one, two on each side (known today as an open-shoulder arch) -- another ancient breakthrough of benefit in three aspects. One is that the smaller arches increase the discharge capacity and reduce pressure on the bridge at times of flooding. Second, they saved on building materials and reduced the weight of the bridge by one-fifth, so alleviating pressure on abutments and the foundation. Finally, scientific tests show that Li Chun's open-shoulder arch design reduces the risk of distortion of the main arch while increasing load capacity and stability. In addition to all these practical engineering features, Li's design also brings to the bridge an elegant lineal beauty. In 1991, Zhaozhou Bridge was designated the 12th International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers and hence joined the rank of such historic landmarks as the Egyptian pyramids, the Panama Canal and the Paris Eiffel Tower.
Guangji Bridge in Guangdong's Chaozhou and Luoyang Bridge in Fujian's Quanzhou are the remaining two of the Four Famous Ancient Chinese Bridges. The Guangji was originally a boat bridge built in the 12th century. Later construction of piers and framework started from both banks of the river on which it was moored, and a full 200 years later the Guangji Bridge, a floating section in between two beamed sections, was completed. When necessary the floating section can be moved away, an innovation that set a precedent in bridge-building history. A feature that makes the bridge particularly outstanding is that its two beamed sections resemble waterside streets with rows of pavilions and towers. The Luoyang, or Wan'an, Bridge is the only ocean bridge of the four. Cai Xiang (1012-1067), was directly responsible for its construction, but was neither artisan nor engineer, but a great calligrapher and an official of the Song Dynasty. Cai Xiang's diligence as a student earned him the scholarly title Jinshi and
an official post while he was still in his teens. Eager to do something that
could bring substantial benefit to the people in his hometown, he volunteered to
go back there in the capacity of viceroy of Quanzhou.
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Bridge of Benevolent Government
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