building a lawnmower bridge

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diymirage

diymirage

HP@idle > hondaHP@redline
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i mean, why not?

im getting settled into my new home and there is what looks like a drainage ditch on the side of the house, that empties into the pond

because of the snow melting and what not, it creates for a very soggy bedding
i would like to build a 8 foot bridge across this drainage ditch, that looks something like this and is strong enough to carry my small lawnmower

the wife would really like me to build the arch into it, just for looking nice

any thoughts, suggestions, advise you guys have?

bridge.jpg
 
Ramps and Dukes Of Hazzard' ing that ***** across is far more appropriate.
 
Nice ***!!! Get you a few 2 X 16s. you can cut somewhat of an arch that way. Should be ok to span 8 feet and be plenty of strong. Double them up as necessary.. I cut 2 x 6s to create arches for a hammock stand. Worked out pretty decent.

IMG00277-20110530-1709.jpg
 
I'd also like to point out the cement footings so that the bridge doesn't sink into the banks of the stream.

I'm not sure you have a mill near you but the arches on the bridge you posted are quite high.... Most likely custom milled.

Riddler
 
Your best bet to construct a curved structural member (on a reasonable budget) is to build a glue lam. Keep in mind that the bridge in the photo is probably about 16' long. On a 8' span 2' of rise (probably less) should be plenty to replicate the look. You can buy 4 sheets of 3/4" pressure treated and rip them in half. Now make 2 stacks (8pcs) of 8x2 sheets glued together. Put your glue on with a roller and screw it together. Then trace out your curves and cut. When you're done poly the hell out of it. This will give you 2 curved structural members that are 6" wide and WAY stronger than traditional lumber.

Actually 2' of rise is way too much for an 8' span (your mower will bottom out). So rip it at 16" wide and then you'll get 3 arches which will help support your decking and prevent the whole structure from twisting.
 
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thanks guys, all very good info

i may need to consider digging that trench out some, i went back there (after posting this) and it looks like i may need to span as much as 12 feet to keep solid ground under my wheels
 
diymirage said:
thanks guys, all very good info

i may need to consider digging that trench out some, i went back there (after posting this) and it looks like i may need to span as much as 12 feet to keep solid ground under my wheels
Click to expand...
I THINK I WOULD USE METAL FOR THE MAIN S
diymirage said:
thanks guys, all very good info

i may need to consider digging that trench out some, i went back there (after posting this) and it looks like i may need to span as much as 12 feet to keep solid ground under my wheels
Click to expand...
I think I`d use metal for the main supports and arches, you can always hide them w/ wood.
 
steel would be sturdier i imagine

just for fun, here is the bed im looking to cover
(but the more i think about it, the more im afraid i may need to dig a proper trench first?)

20170221_141358 (1).jpg


20170221_141348.jpg
 
diymirage said:
i mean, why not?

im getting settled into my new home and there is what looks like a drainage ditch on the side of the house, that empties into the pond

because of the snow melting and what not, it creates for a very soggy bedding
i would like to build a 8 foot bridge across this drainage ditch, that looks something like this and is strong enough to carry my small lawnmower

the wife would really like me to build the arch into it, just for looking nice

any thoughts, suggestions, advise you guys have?

View attachment 1715019981
Click to expand...


in all the years you have been on fabo and out of all 8k posts you have done ...this might be the coolest post by you yet.
 
Rainy Day Auto said:
in all the years you have been on fabo and out of all 8k posts you have done ...this might be the coolest post by you yet.
Click to expand...

im not sure if thats a compliment or a jab...feel free to explain
(or, im typical female fashion leave me wondering what in the world you meant)
 
i think i got the answer, stay tuned people (going over lunch tomorrow to pick it up)
 
Got it laid down just fine
Still need to build some one ramps, and the wife wants a railing on there, but the hard pare is done

I also put down a section as a dock...now, where did I leave that fishing rod?

20180324_101320.jpg


IMG-20180324-WA0001.jpeg


20180324_183709.jpg
 
Nice looking property you have there. My backyard has a similar look with the pond..... except it's not suppose to.

Since you went with a flat design, it looks like you'll be fine. My only concern would be to make sure either end extends far enough over solid ground as the edges of the ditch could be soggy or soft even a few feet from the bank.
 
thanks
this is a great place to raise kids for sure

you cant tell in the pictures, but i buried some junk concrete (the people who owned this place before us werent very good at cleaning up after themselves) on the edge that act as footers for the bridge

i have since installed the last section of docking, on the far end of the little shed
but i havent gotten round to building the "ramps" on the bridge yet, that should extend the bridge out another foot or three on each side
 
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