The Invention of the First Segmented Arch Bridge

The first segental arch bridge in China was a very big breakthrough.  It was one of China's most-prized technological achievements.  A Chinese engineer was the first to realize that an arch actually didn't have to be a semi-circle.

This event took place in China in the 7th century, A.D.  The genius who had invented this bridge was named Li Ch'un, his influence lasted for many centuries.  Even today, bridges with the same design stretch over expressways all over the world.

This event was an important part of Chinese history.  Many stories and legends have attached themselves onto this bridge, a 16th-century poet said,  that it looked like a moon rising above the clouds, and he also said it looks like a long rainbow hanging on a mountain waterfall.

This bridge brought much joy to the people of China.  And even today, this famous bridge is still standing.  Li Ch'un made a smarter and stronger way to build bridges, now his idea is used everywhere. 

Source: Web Page: The Segmental Arch Bridge. http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/arch.html