OT: Bridge building resources

For me site access was a problem--wife wouldn't hear of taking out trees--so I pretty much had to build it there.

Traded for five utility poles. Built abutments out of railroad ties to get the stringers seven feet clear of the creek bed. Tied the abutments back into the banks with half ties and back filled them.

Left the poles full length and ran them wild into the bank beyond the abutments. Since there is only about two feet unsupported between the poles I used two by lumber for deck.

Two guys did it in about three days. Used the 8n to drag the poles out and haul out the ties. So far has lasted five years. Checked and it only deflected a quarter inch with an 8n with a loader in the center. Horses will do a lot more damage than an 8n if you have any crossing it.

Your mileage may vary

Sounds similar to a situation I have. Have some property on the other side of a creek just like yours that I can't get to with my 8N and implements. Had a dozer push a low water crossing but the banks are still too steep for the tractor and brush hog to negotiate.

I have been considering going to the rural electric company and buying used utility poles (50 cents a foot) and laying four of them across the creek and then plank them with pressure treated 2 x 8/10. Then, add some additional 2x over the poles and planks lenghtwise to match the tractor tire width. I believe that this would probably hold the weight of the tractor and brush hog without too much risk. Could always stiffen it by bolting 2 x 10 's to the poles (length wise)for some insurance.

I'd be curious to hear from some of the engineers on the board about this project.

Niels

I like the idea of trusses (don't know WHY we didn't think of that, especially since my wife sells trusses, for a living)...

Keep us updated on what you use and how it works.
I, for one, am interested in how it works out.

Steve

Second, whatever you build will need maintenance. Bridges especially are subject to adverse environmental impact. So when you decide on construction, make sure maintenance is on your mind.

Third, if the creek bottom is 8-10 feet down, that means the water is sometimes 8-10 feet deep. Keep that in mind when positioning your bridge vertically.

Might I sugest you look into pre-manufactured corrugated steel bridge sections.

Here is a picture of a product from Contech, a supplier we have had good luck with. Pictured is an alluminum box culvert. They assemble quickly and are modular to accomodate varrying roadway widths. We even had a client use several as a garage, since they can span over 25' with a clear height of over 10 feet.

Click the link below for more info.

• Link