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pdoubleu · Nov 11, 2007, 05:29 PM

We need to build a bridge over a gulley. From edge to edge is 10.5 ft, its 10 ft. deep in the middle. It has to be 12 ft. wide and strong enough for a cement truck( for pouring a foundation) to cross. Im unsure where to begin in the planning, or are there any good websites to help?

ballengerb1 · Nov 11, 2007, 07:16 PM

Since you work with cement have you considered dropping in a few steel drain pipes and then cement?

pdoubleu · Nov 12, 2007, 09:51 AM

Yeah, we planned on using drain pipes so the bridge wouldn't get washed away. Really its only a small spring, but we're planning for a hurricane. Even though its small, the gulley isn't(at least for the spring). We don't know where to start though, especially in the design phase. Such as.. . Should we put the pipe in, dam off the spring, put a form on all sides, fill with cement, have as is. Or pour footers on either side, have the bridge span across with a brace in the middle. We are building a house, so the bridge has to be strong enough, not only for us, but a gravel truck, well truck, and cement truck. And I don't know much about the effect on cement from water. We also have a friend who welds, is steel the way to go?

ballengerb1 · Nov 12, 2007, 03:51 PM

There really aren't many ways to build a bridge that will handle the weight of a cement truck other than a cement bridge. Sure a bridge builder can do it but you want to do this yourself. A cement pro will help you better than I can but I know you can drop in a couple of pipes and make the first pour directly on top without worrying about the water. The wet cement will dam up the spring and force the water to divert to the pipe. You can pour concrete unedr water. Filling the whole gulley with cement probably isn't cost effective. One large concrete culvert pipe about 5 ' in diameter would eliminate a lot of concrete but I don't have the expertise to go further.

KBC · Nov 13, 2007, 05:41 AM

Just an idea,

I am involved with our local historical society,we got informed, by the state, that they were going to remove an old bridge,and asked if we wanted it.

Maybe you can contact your state highway dept, and ask if they have an old bridge lying around... lol, you never know it might be out there.

Otherwise, your road commissioner might have a culvert program to assist your efforts, at least an idea to better address this question.

Also, we have built bridges with I-beams and concrete,but that was through an architectural firm, requiring quite a bit of planning and effort,Concrete trucks are very heavy, even without being loaded.

Can you use a pumper truck to transfer the concrete to the foundation perhaps?

Ken

pdoubleu · Nov 13, 2007, 11:03 AM

Informative

pdoubleu · Nov 13, 2007, 11:07 AM

A pumper truck may be a possibility, hadn't thought of that. The house sit is about 300 ft. from the gulley. I don't know the length limitations. We still have to get a well drilling truck back there, but Its probably not nearly as heavy as the cement truck.

TerryB · Nov 19, 2007, 03:07 PM

Have you considered a corrugated steel arch with concrete on the ends and backfill on top?