Need ideas for finishing bridge

[Catch95]

Fred,

I saw this old post by you and was wondering if you had posted any pictures of the construction of the bridge. I couldn't find them via a search. The bridge looks fantastic. I know I should comment on the great looking house as well, but I'm fixated on bridges at the moment!

I'm about to tackle a similar style of bridge on my property in Australia and would be interested in your story and any pics if you had them.

Thanks

Mark

 

[Mavrik02]

I'll post of few of the construction. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We started with the creek bank and decided where to put the bridge and how to angle it.

 

[Mavrik02]

The I beams are bolted in place between the concrete piers.

 

[Mavrik02]

Of course it had to be painted /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It was about 90F with 95% humidity and the kids decided to help out... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Mavrik02]

It took a week to get the paint off them. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Mavrik02]

Bridge is finished and driveway is bing built up with shale.

 

[EddieWalker]

You sure make it look simple!!!

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Eddie

 

[JimMorrissey]

You could do a similar thing thing with 10x10 chamfered posts...then cut a mortis and stick some true rough sawn 3x8s between them....cut the post tops to deflect/drain rainfall and cap them with little copper tops. Or put two nice lights on the outside posts and cap the inside with copper. Four lights on the end posts is a bit much IMO.

Beautiful property and house....really nice work and most excellent bridge. Thanks for the pics.

 

[metalchomper]

How about making it a covered bridge to match the house? Make it similar to your front porch.
Brett

 

[Catch95]

Many thanks for the pictures.

Did you do the piers yourself and how deep did you sink them? And what keeps the grills in place?

My old timber bridge is subject to flooding a few times a year - I'll try to attach a pic - but I know once it goes under, it is worse a few miles down the only access road so there's no point making the bridge higher as I will only be stuck somewhere else.

Good reason to ensure there is always a bit of food and a few beers tucked away!

But it does mean I need something very solid.

Would appreciate any advice

Thanks

Mark

 

[JimMorrissey]

Yeah, that sounds good too.

 

[Mavrik02]

Covered bridge...that has special meaning in PA right up there with wetlands and endangered species /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif...nice idea (I too think it would be nice) but given the potential for outside interference I won't even consider it!

My excavator did most of the skilled work. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The piers were dug out with a backhoe and then a metal rebar frame was assembled (for reinforcement). A form was made for the above ground portion and concrete was pored into the hole. Bolts were set into the concrete to bolt the I beams to and everything was let set for one week.

The decking came prepainted from the metal shop and was welded to the I beams.

It's always good to keep some beer and food around...well at least the beer anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thank you all for your comments and complements! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif