TBH bridge builders, let's hear your thoughts

[Sticks&Strings]

I bought a piece of property that has a creek on it. It is spring fed and always running. The county says I have to either install 2 48" culverts or a bridge that allows equal flow. I dont like the culvert look, so going to do a bridge. This bridge doesnt have to hold anything other than a diesel truck or a mid size tractor and shredder. So probably 10k let's say. It has to span 16'.

How many 2x12 will it take to carry this load? My internet research hasn't been very productive for this yet.



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[c3products20]

Pics?

[Sticks&Strings]

Pics?

Of the creek? No. I basically just need to determine number of 2x12 to hold the weight over a 16' span

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[Quackerbox]

Im not an engineer of any sort, but had 40' of 52" culvert replaced 2 years ago and I think youre gonna need more than a 2x

[dclifton]

You need a frame built from i beam first. Usually can find some good deals on I beam pieces on Craigslist.
Or an old semi trailer cut down works great.

[cbd10pt]

You need galvanized steel I beams.
I would probably do 3 on 3' centers
10' sheet metal , then pour 4" of concrete with # 3 rebar on 16" grid

[sqiggy]

I’m assuming this bridge hasn’t been built yet?
I would forget the 2x12’s and put down steel grating, welded to the steel frame of the bridge. Be there forever!!

[Sticks&Strings]

It will be all wood. Mainly because I can work with it, and because I like the way it looks.

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[sqiggy]

All wood??? Ok. Can’t help you there. I’m a steel guy!!!
Here is one of the bridges we have. 2 rail tank cars with 2 semi tractor trailer frames welded to the top of the tank cars. This creek floods a lot so wood wouldn’t last here.

[segbert]

I would look at doing a rail car, assuming your tractor has enough rear end to slide it into place. Then decking it with wood/timbers. Your going to constantly have issues with all wood construction.

Or since the county is saying that is what you need to do, make them get out there and do it for you.

[TexanAggie]

we put a bridge on our property two telephone poles (maybe add a 3rd one in the middle for the length you are going ) and 2x12 as the runners, maybe 8 to 10 ft across would love to show pics but my account is so new i cant attach anything . anyway we have had a 15 Duramax, mini-x (9k lbs) and out Kubota tractor (4-5k ) and has been great.

if i had my choice i would love to have an old 18wheeler trailer or flat bed rail car, our crossings are pretty remote so not sure how we would be able to carry it back in the back area

[Death from Above]

mueller metal buildings sells I beams.

that what we do and weld purlins to them...maybe concrete in a post depending on span but make sure and keep debris off it after floods

[texan4ut]

Look up in the DIY section there was a TBHer that used a shipping container as the bridge. They come in 10' or you could use a 20'. Thought is was a slick idea and when I getting for my bridge on my place that is what I am going to do.