I need a new BRIDGE!!!

[s219]

Looks great!

 

[kebo]

I was looking at the pic's again and think that it would have been a good idea to get a truck load of heavy rock and use it for rip rap underneath the bridge, and on both sides of the bank for about 3-4 feet (up & downstream), before the rail car was dropped in place. This would help keep the flood water from eroding the dirt underneath/around the concrete. It can still be done, it's just a lot harder now. If you decide to do that, lay down some of that heavy matting cloth (I forget the tradename of it now) first, then throw the rip rap on top of it. That will really help seal in the dirt around the concrete.

Also, couldn't the pilings be used for railings? Unless.... you think you might need to carry a wideload across the bridge at some point, then they would just be in the way.

 

[aksands]

This forum has been very helpful for us. We are considering purchasing five acres, where there is a wet weather creek that runs across the front. We don't have a survey yet, but would say the creek is about 1 acre into the property, and has to be crossed to reach the beautiful homesite. We are in the process of reviewing the HOA guidelines for building requirements and easements. We have our fingers crossed it all works out. The creek is probably about 12 ft deep, 15-20ft across at it's narrowest point. Not having purchased the property, we are trying to gauge the cost of building the bridge (we like the flat car option) and how that cost might determine our purchase offer. I may start a new thread with my post, but I just wanted to comment on how helpful this thread has been. So, thanks.

 

[LD1]

This forum has been very helpful for us. We are considering purchasing five acres, where there is a wet weather creek that runs across the front. We don't have a survey yet, but would say the creek is about 1 acre into the property, and has to be crossed to reach the beautiful homesite. We are in the process of reviewing the HOA guidelines for building requirements and easements. We have our fingers crossed it all works out. The creek is probably about 12 ft deep, 15-20ft across at it's narrowest point. Not having purchased the property, we are trying to gauge the cost of building the bridge (we like the flat car option) and how that cost might determine our purchase offer. I may start a new thread with my post, but I just wanted to comment on how helpful this thread has been. So, thanks.

Yep, this forum is a great help for about ANYTHING.

Definatally start a new thread with more specifics when you get an Idea what your intentions are. And use the search function. Just in the last year or so, there have been probabally a dozen bridge threads. All of them will probabally be helpful to you and give you some different ideas:thumbsup:

 

[PossumHound]

This forum has been very helpful for us. We are considering purchasing five acres, where there is a wet weather creek that runs across the front. We don't have a survey yet, but would say the creek is about 1 acre into the property, and has to be crossed to reach the beautiful homesite. We are in the process of reviewing the HOA guidelines for building requirements and easements. We have our fingers crossed it all works out. The creek is probably about 12 ft deep, 15-20ft across at it's narrowest point. Not having purchased the property, we are trying to gauge the cost of building the bridge (we like the flat car option) and how that cost might determine our purchase offer. I may start a new thread with my post, but I just wanted to comment on how helpful this thread has been. So, thanks.

:welcome:

 

[lancej]

Happy Valley area (Branciforte Dr) only in January of 1982 it wasn't so happy:laughing:

Now there's an inside joke

Nope not a happy January that year.

To bring back on topic...watched the Soquel bridge go bye bye that night.

Lance

 

[okuma2540]

I am wondering did you look into the precast culverts(bridges) before you settled on the rail car?

 

[Mark Page]

We have 2 on our property, both span about 12 ft. and were bult in the 60's. They are made of 16" steel I beams 16" on center then covered with 1/4 inch steel plate and 4" of reinforced concrete. I've only seen then under water once. They have handled triple axle dump trucks loaded with blacktop, stone, dirt, concrete trucks and D8 dozers as well as well drilling rigs. I'm told the I beams extend 8 feet past the banks.
I'm sure the cost of the steel would be prohibitive, but it makes for one strong bridge.

 

[ironwood]

Great result and good thinking on the RR car. Most likely you have already decked it. ALOT of local Pa. State Forest bridges are decked in vertical treated lumber. 60' is alot of wood but it seems to hold up well. Also you could stock pile used bar decking (catwalk) as you find it for the next redecking.

I have a nieghbor who abuts our property that has a miserable access to his property via a single lane alley thru a bunch of houses, parked cars etc,... I have no clue why he has not approached me to access his house via our drive and use a tractor trailer flatbed to get to his house. This would also enable him to fully utilize his lot as his lower back lot (off my drive) is down slope. He could EASILY use an inexpensive reused truck bed to increase his property value by 10-20K.

Again, great result.

Ironwood

 

[tkappeler]

Well done on the bridge!!

This thread was great as it showcases the complete idea - design evolution with lots of collaboration. Although new here, this is what I have already come to appreciate about this site.