1. Pont du Gard Date: 20-16BC (Augustan)
Built by: Marcus Agrippa (builder of the original Pantheon)
Dimensions: 50m high and 275m long.
Gradient: 1:3000
Construction: 3 levels of arches in local limestone (uncemented)
Location: The river Gardon, 21km from Nimes (see Maison Carree), France. (Part of the old province of Gaul)
Source: A mountain spring near Uzes
Destination: Nimes
About: The pont du Gard is one of the This aqueduct brings 20,000 tonnes of water daily from the Uzes springs 50km, mostly underground to Nimes for its domestic and civic use (eg fountains, drinking, baths, sewerage)

2. Water Transport The system was made up of:
a channel supported by low walls,
underground piping, and
bridge aqueducts like the Pont du Gard.
Mostly underground
Gravity fed (1m drop for every 3km)
Supplied Nimes with water for its parks, fountains, baths etc

3. General Features
Scaffolding supports called bosses allowed maintenance work
The channel(where water flowed) was in the top level.
Three levels are economic in construction, structurally strong, and aesthetically pleasing.
35 arches
A road bridge was added in the 1700s
11 arches
8 arches
The vaults (thickness) of the arches get greater towards the bottom. [1,2,4]

4. Construction and Design
Three levels of Arch
3RD LEVEL: There were three arches per lower level arch - 1 vault thick.
2ND LEVEL: Arches are parallel to those on the first level - same wooden frame could be used – 3 vaults thick.
bosses
people
1ST LEVEL: The arches were all the same width, apart from a wider central arch across the river. (equivalent to four arches on 3rd level) – 4 vaults thick.

5. PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS Problem: WEIGHT
Solution: arches reduce material and distribute the weight of the structure. Vaults make for greater strength at lower levels which support greater weight
Problem: THE RIVER
Solution: central arch wider, bottom level 4 vaults thick, pointed piers for less water drag.
Problem: COST.
Solution: repetition of arches meant same scaffolding used over, and use of uncemented locally quarried limestone
Problem: Transporting the water across the aqueduct without leakage or erosion.
Solution: channel waterproofed with 9cm of brick rubble and morter.
Problem: THE WIND
Solution: to reduce the force of the wind lower levels have v large arches, and top layer has many small arches

6. Other Functions: The Pont du Gard also served propaganda functions:
Encouraged the citizens of Nimes and surrounding areas to view Roman occupation positively.
The Romans technological genius impressed locals and discouraged rebellion
Such an architectural achievement also reflected well on its architect, Marcus Agrippa, and his father-in-law Augustus.