Idea for a Bridge deck?

jcmaurice6 · Apr 28, 2018

Any idea of which material to use for building a durable bridge deck?

The stream is about 20 feets wide, and the two crossing beam are made of steel latice 4 inch wide, probally around 5 feet of each other. It will be mainly for my tractor with a trailer full of wood.

Industrial Toys · Apr 28, 2018

5 feet is quite a span. Although the tractor and trailer would place the load not far off the support structure. How about galvanized decking?

PILOON · Apr 28, 2018

Pruche, (Hemlock) makes good decking and is relatively cheap as not wanted for construction.
It also is quite rot resistant and strong,

Having done some renovation work in your area I know that some local lumber mills can supply it in rough cut to order, call around.

In that it is simply for decking you also can buy it in random widths which again will favor U as the sawmill will have minimal wastage.
I'd look to obtain it in 3" thick for longevity ans load bearing.

With 8 ft being a standard lumber length I'd consider decking with that and simply nail a 'railing' on the decking edges which would also act to keep the planking tied together. (maybe in 2 x 4)
I see it as a large like platform simply sitting on your steel main rails with only perhaps a few fasteners here and there simply to keep the deck in position.

Bonne chance!

Industrial Toys · Apr 28, 2018

A friend of mine builds the occasional bridge, some as long as 50 feet but not for vehicle traffic. He usually gets rough cut 2" (I believe) cedar.

Mendonsy · Apr 28, 2018

I have seen a few bridges that were made from old flatbed trailers. They just towed them into place and removed the running gear from under them.

jaxs · Apr 28, 2018

Wood bridges around here are White Oak.

jcmaurice6 · Apr 29, 2018

Thanks for idea, here (hand made) a view of the section of the bridge I have in mind. What do you think?

Piloon can you send me the contact info of the mills you have in mind?