Adapted to Water and Land,Connected by Bridges and Relay Stations:Distribution and Characteristics of the Stone Arch Bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road in Heyuan

Bai Wenling; Cheng Jianjun

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.02.011

Abstract：Guangdong Province has achieved notable success in large-scale macro research centered on routes and settlements;however,there are insufficient studies on micro and meso-scale architecture along post roads and pavements.As a crucial transportation link between Guangdong and Jiangxi,the stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road have played a pivotal role in military,political,and commercial exchanges in history.Through comprehensive backtracking and in-depth inquiries,the construction characteristics associated with the strategy of"distribution-demand-formal characteristics-technical features"in stone arch bridges were demonstrated empirically.Their formal and technical attributes were further investigated.The stone arch bridge adheres to the design principles of"adaptability to water,land,and postal needs,"reflecting the profound understanding and technological innovation of builders in terms of the environment.They also promote the harmonious coexistence between nature and artificial technologies.Some conclusions could be drawn from the findings of this study: 1.First,the distribution and locations of the stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road are designed to meet the needs of water flow,river width,terrain,and the Yichuan system.They are predominantly located in the middle and lower reaches of rivers,with narrow river channels,slow water flow,and flat terrain,aiming to decrease the influence of natural disasters.The quantity and distribution of stone arch bridges change with the variation of post roads and pavements. 2.The stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road are diversified,which is the collaborative result of the natural construction environment,construction technology,and functional requirements.Builders face some challenges in terms of the river characteristics,topography,material supply,transportation conditions,and postal communication needs.These can be solved by choosing appropriate construction forms and strategies.One strategy is the integration of nature,which implies an"adaptation to water flow and terrain".Single or double-arch stone bridges were built using mixed masonry techniques.The other strategy of"seeking variation within norms",creates innovation based on inheriting regional culture and official styles,and constructing single,double,or five-arch stone bridges by using stone masonry technology. 3.The construction techniques of the stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road reflect an orderly reshaping of materials and structures,integrating stone or brick-and-stone craftsmanship,as well as the design philosophy of construction in accordance with geological conditions and the local landscape.The construction process consists of site selection,river width measurement,determination of the bridge type,labor mobilization,material preparation,and so on.This includes diversified forms of core structures,such as arches,piers,and abutments.Arch shapes are 1/2 circle,1/3 circle,2/3 circle,high arch,1/2 ellipse,irregular arc shapes,etc.The Fengshui tips of piers come in ship,flat-top,and roof shapes.For abutments of single-span bridges,there are approach shapes,irregular shapes,and flush shapes,while those of multi-span bridges are goose-wing shapes.The masonry techniques include stacking and straight-laying.Proportionally,the span,height,and width of the official stone arch bridge are typically greater than those of the stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road.The span ratio of the partial arch-pier of the stone arch bridge ranges from 1.8∶1 to 2.6∶1.The span ratio of double-span bridges is larger than that of five-span bridges.These analyses reveal the construction logic of builders to adapt to the water,terrain,and station conditions. In summary,the stone arch bridges on the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road coexist well with the natural environment in terms of the structure,and technically,they integrate with local culture through official bridge architecture.The distribution and characteristics of these stone arch bridges are in harmony with the hydrological features,topography,and courier communication needs.The builders exhibited a profound understanding of and respect for the material properties,construction techniques,and practical requirements of stone arch bridges.The analysis of proportions and scales reveals how hydrological and topographic conditions influence the multifaceted proportions and scales of these bridges.As immovable cultural heritage along the Guangdong-Jiangxi Road,these bridges have witnessed the historical development and cultural fusion of the region.Future preservation and research should continue to focus on the historical and cultural significance of these stone arch bridges,as well as their new functions and connotations in modern life.