Cheap Bridge idea

[Catch95]

I'm replacing an old timber creek crossing at present. After much reading and talking to others in the area, I've decided to use a flat rack (sometimes called flat deck) container. They are used here by emergency services for crossings when bridges are washed away in floods etc. I've attached a couple of pics - one in its raw state, and one that has been turned into a great looking bridge by a container company.

Obviously come in 20 and 40 foot versions.

Anyone else done this?

Mark

 

[TrippleT]

That is a good looking bridge for sure. And should hold a lot of weight.

 

[BruceWard]

Looks like a great solution to me.

How much do they cost?

 

[Mousefield]

Are they 8 feet wide?

 

[GE222]

Please post the cost details.

Look pretty slick.

 

[jayste]

Please post the cost details.

Look pretty slick.

I'd like to know as well but I see he's in Australia so they may not be too useful for us in the States.

 

[aczlan]

I'd like to know as well but I see he's in Australia so they may not be too useful for us in the States.

They are advertised by a place in TX, should be available from many contianer resellers: Houston Shipping Containers, Houston Texas 40 Foot Storage Containers, Flat Racks Containers

Aaron Z

 

[Catch95]

Sorry for not getting back to you - night time over here!

The are 8 foot wide. They would be available anywhere in the world that uses shipping containers. Some people prefer flat decks known as bolsters - same size, just don't have the fold down ends.

This link shows the diferent sizes etc Intramar Australia

From a container re-seller I was quoted around $2,000 (AUD) for a 20' and about $3,000 for a 40' bolster. The shorter ones can go on a tilt truck and be slid off easily - but generally these guys are so used to transporting containers, transport isn't an issue.

Will post some images when I get going with building the bridge.

Mark

 

[rd_macgregor]

I have exactly the same problem (old wooden bridge) and had been thinking of using the bed from a flat-bed truck or trailer. This solution might work out cheaper, though.
Thanks for the idea,
BOB

 

[MotorSeven]

I used a 20' steel truck bed for a bridge across a creek on my property. It actually has 4' sides, & once in place we used a torch to cut out the forward bulkhead. I drive over it with a 40 horse tractor & in 4 years it has not budged. There was no cost involved because it had been left in one of my fields by the P/O, so I just drug it to the edge of the creek, then had a wrecker winch it over until it was in the right spot.
Containers, truck beds,bus/mobile home frames make excellent bridges.

RD

 

[77bronco]

I remember as a kid, people would get a railroad flatcar and use it for a bridge. However I think finding one, and getting it in place would be a major challenge, and more expensive than building one in place.