OT - New bridge

[Anonymous-0]

Well after plotting and planning for some time now I believe I have the foundation of my bridge across the little stream across my property. Going to put in 4 2x2x4 (4 foot high, and 8 foot wide) concrete retaining blocks on each bank of the stream, and set this across them then deck to make a bridge. I finally had enough of waiting for the water to subside. Of course I will pull the axles, tool boxes, racks etc and basically use the frame. Open for ideas or potential problems? Planning on hiring a backhoe to put in place and backfill the ends, and of course probably use my N to finish grade the road. Wish me luck.
Future Bridge

 

[Anonymous-0]

What will hold those concrete block retainers? Are they tied back into the bank ? Any footing installed for them to bear on and when used as an abutment what keeps them from shifting from freeze/thaw, erosion or soft conditions. The trailer ought to be strong enough, just the piers/abutment I'd want done right, but would also want to know the max load for the span with a safety margin over that and post same in a conspicuous place no matter where the bridge is.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The blocks will basically ride on solid rock as the stream is down to bed rock. I plan on digging into the bank to rock, then place gravel to level then the block then fill around them. The blocks weigh 2400 lbs each, and are interlocking. My thoughts are that the block should be heavy enough not to shift especially once they are backfilled. The trailer is rated over 50,000 lbs, so weight should not really be an issue. This is mainly for car/pickup/tractor traffic. I suppose I could post the weight limit, however it is on my property, and posted and not readily accessible by heavy trucks. I do plan on leaving the existing crossing in place for heavy trucks. I know there is a small bridge on the county road up from me with a wooden floor and I have seen a 953 Cat highlift on a semi trailer cross it with no problems - several times.

 

[Anonymous-0]

That is a plus if you are on rock, tough to estimate what a stream can do if there is no solid footing when you get a lot of rain, kind of a neat idea to use the trailer and retaining blocks, probably cost effective. I'd still post the weight and warning, even if on your own place, some yahoo tries to cross over it with something heavy at least they were warned.

 

[old]

Ron, have you checked with both Conservation and DNR about what your doing?? If you haven't you better or they may fine you plus make you remove it. DNR really gets you if you mess with a water way with out permits etc. BTDT and it can cost you big bucks if they don't like what your doing

 

[valhallareject]

I don"t know how big your stream is or how much flow you get through the area but I have seen railroad flat cars used for temporary bridges flipped and pushed completely off their bents by the force of the water pushing against the side of the bridge during flooding conditions. Frankly, I"m not sure you can do enough to secure the trailer frame to the concrete blocks but I"d sure do something. Are the blocks already poured....or could you have the reinforcing steel brought out the top of the blocks to allow welding to the trailer frame? Or perhaps embed some steel with exposed plates that you can weld to? Don"t underestimate the power of water...especially when its being forced through the funnel your bridge is going to create. Final thought....are you building side rails or guard rails of any type? Incidentally, I agree with the idea of a bridge limit sign.....not that they aren"t the most intelligent folks on the face of the earth....but I"ve seen many a cattle guard wrecked by concrete truck drivers who figured they could forego openning a gate for just one load of concrete. Good luck with your bridge!!

 

[Upper Peninsula,MI.]

Billy. Getting down to bedrock is ideal. However if I understand, your going to level off the bedrock with gravel for the 2400 lb blocks. If this is so then you may be creating a vulnerable spot by leveling with the gravel. I would consider leveling it off with concrete then tie the base concrete to the blocks. Good luck. Ron

 

[Ultradog MN]

I agree.
I would pour a concrete footing directly onto the bedrock then set the blocks on top of that.
Dispense with the gravel entirely as over time it could wash away and undermine your bridge.
It would be a great, fun project to do.
I'm jealous Ron-MO.