Pond Bridge

[oh_lenny]

I started to build a bridge today.wide and strong enough to drive the kubota over I Hope. The outer frame is 6 1/2" x 3/16" channel the two inner strands are 4" x 3/16" I beam.I had to build it on my deck because my shop floor wasn't level enough.

 

[oh_lenny]

Some more Pics, tomorrow I start making the rails,paint it and deck it.hopefully finish it before the party tomorrow night.

 

[Willl]

Can you drive around this pond ?

 

[valley]

Sure looks strong enough! What are you going to cover it with? Richard

 

[mjncad]

My only suggestion is to add two sets of crossmembers to divide the long axis into three equal parts. That will stiffen up the structure, and it will be less likely to twist and rack. The deck boards will help some.

 

[oh_lenny]

Yes willl I can drive around the pond but I was looking into the future,I hate having to say (**** I should did it differently) Mjncad The span of this bridge is 10 ' long do you think there will be twist over such a short length? Valley I plan on double layering the deck with 2 x 4 in 1 st layer width ways and second layer length ways plus I am welding 1 1/2 " x 1 1/2 inch channel for the hand rail.

 

[oh_lenny]

Here is an update on the bridge I got to say it worked after a nervous roll onto the bridge. As you can see in the pic there is not even any flex in the frame. the next pic is mud work completed and I need some impute as to what you guy's think about incorporating the wagon wheel into the hand railing. And if so would a wrought iron railing look better than a wood railing.Thanks in advance

 

[patrick_g]

A steel hand rail can be added such that it reinforces the bridge. Wood would be only a safety factor and maybe decorative.

Pat

 

[mjncad]

Since the structure is only 10' long, I probably would have gone with one crossmember instead of the two I originally suggested. The perspective in the picture made it look longer.

However it looks like the structure is doing just fine with your rig on it. I tend to over-design things.

I second Patrick G's concerning the railing. Go metal as it's stronger and won't require as much maintenance as wood.

Nice job!

 

[EddieWalker]

Looks like a fun project. What did you use for footings to support the bridge?

I've been day dreaming about building a bridge over my spillway. It's nice to see yours, but of course, your success just reminds me to get going on mine.

I'm looking forward to seeing the railing and more pics of your bridge.

Thanks for posting,
Eddie