re: OB Engineers: Steel Beams to Make a Bridge

quote:

---

recycled railcar bridge

---

Man, at 9-10ft wide that's awfully narrow esp. after a few wisky drinks. Would need some HD guard rails.

How deep does the creek get? I'd explore the culvert idea, maybe move the road where it makes more sense to do.

The footbridge/ basket with a shed for an ATV is a solid idea also.

quote:

---

Ok. I think I know what a truss is. But I'm not entirely sure what a truss is....

---

With all due respect, if you don’t know what a truss is you probably have no business building a bridge yourself. I mean this isn’t a walk path over a pond. You don’t want this thing collapsing while you’re in a vehicle driving across. Death is a shitty consequence for saving a little cash.

Just looking out for ya, OP.

That was the 3rd one - acrow.

Bailey and acrow are like a million pieces - not a long term set it / forget it solution

That’s the standard decking used in plants. Should be pretty easy to find. I’ll ask at work.

Was in the forestry/timber/logging industry for 43 years. Would never attempt to cross an obstacle over 50’. I preferred culverts, logs and fill first. Sweet gums were found to be the best trees for crossing a span. They are very long and straight, are slightly flexible. They make the best railroad ties because of their
Flexibility. Then we would board the span. I always wondered if creosote stadium poles would be good for a long crossing. Then board. A large stadium pole could have 20-30 feet laying on each side of the obstacle. I have no idea of the cost. Just a thought. Also some sort of cable bridge (ATV or walking only). I have seen these used for access over long/wide obstacles. Just walk.

quote:

---

Boykin Brothers

---

I don't believe Boykin makes girders, at least not that long. They make precast concrete elements and piles, but I don't ever remember them making girders.

Folks, y’all are comparing a rail car bridge at 26k, and 2 flat spans on 12” WF beam to cross 75 feet. At that price point at $650 per 50’, if there is anyone around there that can cut and weld appropriately, for less than half the cost, he can make a hell of a crossing to easily span 75 feet. Quit thinking flat spans. A straight gable obviously wouldn’t work very well (depending on pitch), but he can build a modified truss using a fairly flat gambrel style shape. Using tensile strength of a 12” beam below the gambrel spanning 50’, you’d be able to make a pretty dang decent bridge. Even if he had to run 3 spans. It’s still far cheaper than the rail car.

quote:

---

been to a Walmart and looked at the ceiling?

---

Yes. Of course. But I'm having a hard time transferring ceiling trusses into a bridge. I remember those old school bridges I used to see on two lane roads as a kid.