Another Bridge Post

Alan L. · Mar 24, 2004

JJT, the creek is about 6 or 7 feet deep from the bed to the lip of the bank. Width varies from maybe 12 feet to 16 feet in places. I have picked out a spot about 12 feet wide with flat banks on both sides.

The railroad car idea sounds good, but I'm afraid would put me way over budget just getting it on the property. And, getting it to the creek through the trees would be very difficult.

Sounds like moving further back, pooring a solid footing, and use of rip rap might be the way to go. This thing is getting more expensive every day.......

Please keep the ideas coming.

Here is a picture of the creek, with our building in the background. Where I am standing is about where the bridge will go.

JazzDad · Mar 24, 2004

OK. I'm seeing a suspension bridge. Where's wroughtn_harv?

Alan L. · Mar 24, 2004

( OK. I'm seeing a suspension bridge. Where's wroughtn_harv? )

There is a thought!!! I wonder if such a bridge could survive a tree trunk floating downstream? Lets see, make the posts tall, run cables across the creek, hmm...

Alan L. · Mar 24, 2004

txdon, thats a good looking bridge. Hard to get a perspective as to the size, although you say thats a 4-foot culvert? I can get some 8-10 granite rocks for $300 a load, that might work.

Does the water often go over the bridge? I wonder in my situation if high waters would take it out.

Alan L. · Mar 24, 2004

BB_TX, I drive south on 75 to work every day, so I'll check out the steal outfit. Even if what they have is too expensive I can surely get some ideas.

I have thought about building the framework out of metal, with concrete base, but would have to rent a portable welder, as the bridge location will be about 200 feet from power. Would take quite a power line to get enough electricity to the welder down there without blowing something. It would also be nice to own a welder at all, which I don't but would buy one if I thought it would be useful for this project. A portable one would be too expensive however.

BB_TX · Mar 25, 2004

The pipe & steel place is about 3 miles or so east of 75. About the time you think you have gone too far, you will get there. There is also a big new lumber yard there so you can't miss it.
If you make it out there, let me know what kind of pricing and options they have on their bridge.

wroughtn_harv · Mar 25, 2004

If you see a two rail concrete fence that looks like wood split rail you're one driveway to far east. Central Steel is the name of the place. I don't know if it'll help you or get you thrown out on your ear but you can tell him you're a friend of Harvey Lacey. John and his wife are the owners. He's an ace.

Since your bridge is not going to be handling anything really heavy I think an arc bridge would be kewl.

I'd start by setting two posts on each side of the creek, deep, the posts. I'd put in an arc'd frame that could be covered with wood or even steel. The arc shape is stronger than a straight across would be. It would also look neat. You could also talk about going up and over instead of just across the creek.

BB_TX · Mar 25, 2004

Central Steel is the name of the place. 
Are we talking about the same place? Just before you get to the new dump ground? They used to advertise in the local paper as Collin County Steel & Pipe.
And concrete split rail?? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I didn't know they made such a thing. I would have never guessed it just by looking as I drive by. Sounds a lot better than the wood ones that fall apart after several years.

Bird · Mar 25, 2004

( concrete split rail?? I didn't know they made such a thing )

The Hidden Creek Golf Course on I-35W in Burleson has quite a bit of concrete fence that looks like wood. I don't know how old it is, but I'm not too impressed with how well it's held up.

BillG_in_TX · Mar 25, 2004

Alan,

Here's an option for you. This bridge is on Rowlett Road, and is about 40 feet in length. Maybe you can get harv to weld one up for you. Although with the price of steel going through the roof, maybe this would blow your budget, too.