Bridge Construction Has Started (Update)

[carolinarider09]

After doing some research, getting some feedback, doing some other stuff, I have decided on a path forward for the bridge across the creek.  

It will be four feet wide and about 26 feet long.  It will be an arch type.  

Here are some pictures of the initial phases of the construction of the foundation.  

[carolinarider09]

Ohh,, there is a dead pine tree that just had about 15 feet of trunk left (on the left in the first image) that I removed today.  The foundation was moved a little more to the left.   

Still working on the location of the foundation.  There is a 10" difference in elevation from one side of the creek to the other.

[Bighead]

Cut that small leaner also. 

[carolinarider09]

Cut that small leaner also. 

Yes I am going to..  The only reason I have not is I wanted to actually kill it to prevent re-growth.  Its a Sweet Gum and they are sort of like weeds around here. 

But to do that I have to use a liquid and I don't want to get it in the creek.. 

But yes.  it will be gone in the next few months. 

[Jess from VA]

Buying lumber... now?

[Patrick]

Buying lumber... now?

The price is absolutely nutz now.

[carolinarider09]

Yep, buying lumber now.   If I wait there are two possibilities.

One, something might happen such that I cannot physically complete the project which means I would have to hire it out or not do it.  Physical means ability to lift not necessarily mobility.

Two, while lumber is more expensive now ( I have not discerned if the reason is lack of supply or increased demand.  I believe it is the later since the country was shutdown for over a year) I am not building a house.  So, its hundreds not thousands. 

[Rams]

Yep, buying lumber now.   If I wait there are two possibilities.

One, something might happen such that I cannot physically complete the project which means I would have to hire it out or not do it.  Physical means ability to lift not necessarily mobility.

Two, while lumber is more expensive now ( I have not discerned if the reason is lack of supply or increased demand.  I believe it is the later since the country was shutdown for over a year) I am not building a house.  So, its hundreds not thousands.  

Would love to see your plan or drawing if you have one.   Do yourself a favor and don't copy the kind of bridge that they built over the Mississippi River at Memphis.  

Rams

[3fan4life]

Lumber has at least doubled in price this past year.

I just priced out the cost of building some shelves in my motorcycle storage building.

The cost of lumber came to $300.

It would have been less than $150 before all of this crap. 

[carolinarider09]

Rams,

Here you go.   I got the information from some guy on YouTube but the design makes some sense physically.  The only issue I have is how to hold the trusses upright while I assemble the bridge. 

Oh and getting them across the creek but I have a plan for that.

[Jess from VA]

The only issue I have is how to hold the trusses upright while I assemble the bridge

Scaffold from below (rental), or hung from above (ropes and lean-to or pole tripod)?

I can't see building it on flat ground then yanking/dragging it across the ditch (maybe with damage).





I helped build a lashing tower in the boy scouts (a few years ago).


2-3 pulleys


Rope.

[carolinarider09]

Jess,

Yes the tripod thingy was what I was thinking about.  Get to do some Boy Scout stuff in making the tripod. Its been a long time since I did that. 

Anchoring on the ends is the only issue, trees or stake like screw thing in the ground. 

[Jess from VA]

You lay the poles out parallel with a bit of space between.  Rope wrap them loosely, then run the rope around between the poles and pull tight. Clove hitches.

Shovel for pole anchoring.  The weight will hold it down, if it doesn't sink in.  

Probably need a ladder in there somewhere.

Gloves.

First aid kit.  

Probably not a good idea to wait until high summer and skeeters.

[scooperhsd]

Add - friends who can help. Or at least can get help if something happens.

[carolinarider09]

Today's actives, got the near side form in place and leveled.   

[carolinarider09]

Update

Near and far pads have been "poured".

Far pad



Near pad



Trusses have been assembled.

First truss (sort of a trial/benchmark)



Second and third trusses completed. 

[Tundra]

I enjoy seeing this come together, please continue your progress when you have time. Looking SOLID Should hold a Valkyrie

[carolinarider09]

I enjoy seeing this come together, please continue your progress when you have time. Looking SOLID Should hold a Valkyrie

Will do!

[carolinarider09]

Update:  The trusses have been finished and cut to length, 24' 5 5/58".  And the end plates and other necessary items have been cut to length. 

The trees have been removed and now just waiting for some "assistance" in moving the trusses and getting them across the creek.

Oh, I have not built the tripod's Jess suggested yet but have them on the list of things to do next. 

[Patrick]

24' 5 5/58" !   Now thats getting fussy !    [ just kidding of course.]

Looks like the bridge will still be there in the next century.

[Jess from VA]

Try to avoid having it taxed as a capital improvement.