Kurit Dam, the World’s Highest Dam from 1350 until early 20th Century

• The overtopping resistance of arch masonry dam was vital to it’s safety, as the dam had no spillway and the dam builders of 650 years ago could not possibly foresee the extreme floods probable during the life of the structure. In this regard, integration of erosion resistance of masonry and geometry of the dam contributed greatly to the safety of the dam during floods. It is estimated that the Kurit dam has been overtopped for more than 1000 times in 650 years.
• No diversion tunnel was required as the dam was built on a brick arch in a narrow canyon. The lower part the dam was constructed during a dry season
• The Kurit dam was built in a very narrow canyon and its crest length reached only 80% of the height. Accordingly selection of arch configuration, minimized the thickness and volume of the dam (the crest thickness is only 1.2 m). Otherwise, the construction of the dam would have not been feasible due to difficult access to the site.
• The Kurit dam has experienced the Tabas earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 without even minor damage in 1978. 25,000 people were killed in the earthquake in the thinly populated region.

good topic and nice post above.

From my hometown:

The Eads Bridge http://www.asce.org/history/brdg_eads.html - http://www.asce.org/history/brdg_eads.html  first major railroad bridge over the Mississippi river, and first structure to use alloy steel in its structural members, built in 1874 

More modern sturctures: Hoover Dam, Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge

And how about one that wasn't exactly a masterpiece - the Tacoma Narrows Bridge - an early suspension bridge - check out the photos and short video clip at http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/research/nonlinear/tacoma/tac09.gif - http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/research/nonlinear/tacoma/tac09.gi f

The bridge began exhibiting wave motion before it was completely constructed and the motion worsened. The bridge was nicknamed "Galloping Girtie." It collapsed only a few months after it was opened for use.

Thanks for reviving this thread!

Khaju Bridge

Khaju bridge is the second largest historical bridge in Isfahan, its original foundations date back to the Timurid period and the present superstructure, with its handsome alcoves and exquisite frescoes and tile-work, was built upon the orders of Shah Abbas the Great.
The historical significance, the aesthetic qualities, the composition of its parts and the architectural characteristics of the bridge make it an architecturally unique masterpiece.

There are already some restaurants and tea houses inside this bridge and the bridge itself has become a free hotel!   http://www.peterlanger.com/Countries/Middleast/Iran/pages/IRESF102.htm - A tea house under the Khaju Bridge

Good stuff Cyrus - thanks.

Kathleen - I love the clip on the Tacoma Narrows bridge - a classic piece used to demonstrate sympathetic vibration to musicians - although I'm sure that was not what the architect intended.

Our bridge is not a large as some of the others - but we're proud of it.  A few photos of the Newport Bridge in Rhode Island gleaned from the web:

http://www.well.com/user/wolfy/NE-Canada/Newport/page24.html - http://www.well.com/user/wolfy/NE-Canada/Newport/page24.html

http://www.picturesrhodeisland.com/largeview.php?image=00536 - http://www.picturesrhodeisland.com/largeview.php?image=00536

The lighthouse in the foreground is called Rose Island Lighthouse - it's one mile offshore.  It is on the National Historic Register and has ben recently renovated so that you can arrange to stay there for a week if you like.

http://www.picturesrhodeisland.com/largeview.php?image=00594 - http://www.picturesrhodeisland.com/largeview.php?image=00594

"Picton Castle" sailing under the bridge during on eo fthe "Tall Ships" events.