build a bridge, get over it

[MRHURT]

another shot of the opposite bank while the concrete is still curing.

 

[MRHURT]

shot of the driveway after a little slate poured down

 

[MRHURT]

another shot after slate being poured

 

[Gatorboy]

What kind of beams did you use?

 

[beenthere]

Are you getting over it yet? What is going on top to cross over the abutements?

 

[MRHURT]

I used 12/26 I-beams twenty feet long. I decided to used four beams, two inside a standard car wheels and two on the outside. two would have been enough. but i like to over build everything i get my hands on. guess than is the eng. coming out in me.

 

[Gatorboy]

Where did you get the beams? If you don't mind, how much did you pay for them?

Thanks

 

[DarinRay]

I've been dreaming about being able to have a house on part of our property but the creek has to be crossed and I have been under the impression that to build a bridge that won't get washed away woudl cost a fortune.

So my next question is what do you figure you will have in this bridge total when it's complete?

Great step by step and photos...Keep em coming.

Darin

 

[TOMLESCOEQUIP]

Another option for beams is to use a flat bed semi trailer ( wheels and suspension removed of course)....They come in a variety of lengths and are routinely subjected to loading up to 50,000 lbs......A matched pair is best...welded together they give you a 16' wide deck easily wide enough for any traffic and room for guard rails......Caution...Don't try only going with one as 8' is not wide enough to drive a 6' wide SUV with woman pilot on a daily basis over any quantity of water....Right now the trucking industry is in a slump and it's a buyers market for trucks/trailers.....You should be able to buy a couple good trailers with good flooring for around $1500 each....plus you get the wheels to transport them to your site...then sell the wheels/tires to recoup some of your investment.............Tom

 

[beenthere]

<font color=blue>""I have been under the impression that to build a bridge that won't get washed away........ ""<font color=black>

Keep in mind that the answer depends on the creek. All creeks are not the same, and routing water between two concrete abutments will create all kinds of erosion action. If the water runs pretty calm year around, then it is less of a problem than if it is a torrent when spring comes, snow melts, and heavy rains come right along with it.

In my state, the State DNR would be highly involved in the construction of any bridge across any stream or creek, even if it was a dry run most of the year. (Includes just cutting brush along the creek banks as well). Just don't want to see anyone get in over their heads, so to speak.