Replies

1. 
   TommyB12 | Jun 16, 2003 05:26am | #1

   I'd run that by the manufacturer.

   Tom

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 16, 2003 05:42am | #2

   I'm a little confused.   The Trex is going to be supported every 10" right?  That sure is within it's spec; the manufacturer recommends 16" O.C. for support.   That's straightforward, so why are you mentioning the bridge's span?  That makes me think I don't understand what you're proposing.

   Wait a minute.  This is a footbridge, right?  If you're going to drive cars on this bridge, Trex won't do. 

   
   

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   Edited 6/15/2003 10:46:05 PM ET by JAMIE_BUXTON

1. 
   royr | Jun 16, 2003 12:35pm | #3

   I mentioned the span for no real reason and the bridge is for traffic including trucks.

   He is just tired of replacing it every so many years and was wondering about the new composite materials.

   Rupert

1. 
   BossHog | Jun 16, 2003 02:28pm | #4

   Trucks on trex.

   No freakin' way would I do that. If you're not part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem.

2. 
   goldhiller | Jun 16, 2003 08:20pm | #5

   Don't know what he's been using but white oak would be a good choice for strength and longevity.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

1. 
   kostello | Jun 16, 2003 09:15pm | #6

   what about steel chequer plate?????

   should last longer

   aleks

1. 
   goldhiller | Jun 16, 2003 11:19pm | #7

   Oh my.............sounds pricey.

   FWIW, We've used 3" white oak planks for the bridge over at the farm since I was a kid. Last set of planks went in 1972. Wagons carrying 500 bushels of shelled corn cross this bridge on those same planks today, not to mention the tractors and huge combines. No TLC for them either such as water repellents or oiling. They sit out in the sun and weather 24/7/365.

   Wonder if that steel would get too slippery under snow or rain.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

2. 
   caseyr | Jun 16, 2003 11:49pm | #8

   As someone implied above, Trex is not not noted for rigidity or strength.  There are some picnic tables at work that appear to be constructed of trex.  Three feet unsupported in the middle with about 18" overhang on each end.  These things droop like a roller coaster and I haven't seen anything but normal sized humans sitting on these things.  I would image with a few tons on a tire traversing even a narrow span would give some rather severe waves...

3. 
   FastEddie1 | Jun 17, 2003 12:33am | #9

   I guess if he wanted a sacrificail wear layer, adding trex on top of structural planks would be ok.  Expensive, but ok.Do it right, or do it twice.

4. 
   kostello | Jun 17, 2003 12:35am | #10

   don't know how much there are likely to cost but what about old railway sleepers??

   i agree about the steel but it was an idea.

   aleks

5. 
   goldhiller | Jun 17, 2003 01:03am | #11

   Sure,I'd think that should work well........but then there's the smell of creosote to consider. :-)

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

3. 
   FrankB89 | Jun 17, 2003 03:41am | #12

   There are numerous wood bridges here in the PNW, from logging access bridges (heavy duty), to residential access bridges, presumably what you're inquiring about.

   Most of the "permanent" structures use all PT material, usually .60 and the planks are usually of good quality of whatever species and fairly thick, like 3 X's or 4 X's.

   A couple things I've seen done to protect the planks and provide traction:

   1.  Acquiring through military surplus the metal planks used as temporary roads in soft or boggy areas.  I wasn't in the Army so I'm not sure what they're called, but they can be bolted or spiked to the planks and they'll probably outlast the user.

   2.  Strips of heavy expanded metal (can be cut to order at a steel supplier) and bolted to the planks.  For a 14' bridge, the steel would probably be little more expensive than the Trex. 

    

1. 
   Luka | Jun 17, 2003 05:03am | #13

   Railroad flatcar. A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   FrankB89 | Jun 17, 2003 05:09am | #14

   Yea, I thought about suggesting that...if the original poster reads this, there was some discussion about RR cars recently...I drive across a couple of them everyday to my current job...

   But I don't recall ever seeing a 14 footer !  :-) 

1. 
   IMERC | Jun 17, 2003 05:11am | #15

   Torch or longer lead in ramps.