Step-stone bridge
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| Step-Stone Bridge | |
|---|---|
 |
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| In a Japanese-style garden | |
| Ancestor | None, this is one of the few foundational types, but see also: ford (river). |
| Related | None |
| Descendant | Clapper bridge, log bridge |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Span range | Has no spans, but must be spaced to allow sufficient water flow and a comfortable step, or perhaps a reasonable leap |
| Material | Selected stone |
| Movable | No |
| Design effort | Low |
| Falsework required | No |
A step-stone bridge is a simple means for a pedestrian to cross a watercourse during periods of low flow while keeping feet and (particularly) footwear dry. This type, along with the log bridge are likely the oldest bridge types. Unlike all other bridges this bridge has no spans. Water is allowed to course between the stones forming the steps. This type of bridge is often seen in gardens in China and Japan. It is one of several principle types found in such gardens. Sometimes one will find these as informal crossings of small streams when hiking, as they are often built by hikers during the drier seasons and are subject to being swept away (or at least disarranged) during periods of high, fast water.
When this type appears in gardens open to the public the step-stones are usually quarried from rough blocks and may be smoothed on their upper surface by a stone mason or topped with a smooth concrete treading surface.
