Best small bridge planks?

[ding]

What are the best small bridge planks?

Or... Is expanded metal good?

My sister and brother-in-law had a small bridge welded up to drive his tuk-tuk across the little klong to his hut.

 

They have used planks for now on the steel frame but it's not the best.

 

No big cars or trucks.

Near Udon Thani.

 

Thanks for any replies!~

[Crossy]

Expanded steel plate would certainly do the job if the load isn't too high. Your local steel shop should be able to advise and cut the stuff to size.

 

It's also worth looking at the ConWood deck products, they have similar properties to timber but should last a lot longer. Watch the spacing of the steel supports!

 

Even the concrete planks use for in-fill on retaining walls would do the job if well supported.

 

[ding]

Perfect, thanks. From the pics sent to my wife I don't think the dead load of concrete planks would be good.

Looks to me like it needs some horizontal shear strength.

Checking ConWood now... EDIT: Just looked at that and it seems the span capability is too short for the frame they made. No spec on load bearing I could find.

Edited July 24, 2020 by ding
after research

[Crossy]

Post a couple if the pics to give us an idea what we're looking at ????

 

We used this stuff for our pool deck https://www.shera.com/th-en/products/floor-application/GCS325303002421

 

In reality timber is strong and flexible, it may end up being the best solution.

 

[Crossy]

Expanded steel will need some support if it's not to take on a permanent bend.

 

This document may be interesting http://gratingtasmania.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/expanded24.pdf

 

 

[ding]

[ding]

Maybe there's a good supplier for galvanized diamond plate near Udon Thani?

[Crossy]

1 minute ago, ding said:

Maybe there's a good supplier for galvanized diamond plate near Udon Thani?

 

That's going to be one for those with local knowledge, we're in Bangkok.

 

If the long members are 12" or so apart then the Shera decking would work but I still think that properly treated timber is going to be the best bang for the buck. 

[shaemus]

8 hours ago, ding said:

I think the structure may need to be modified, o am. Not an engineer of any type but all the weight and load will be on the metal directly connected to the old timber posts. At least put some. Braces on. 

 

Plenty of expanded mesh available anywhere in Thailand. Galvanised might be a bit more tricky. 

 

Website called chancon specialises in various gratings. 

 

Shaemus 

[ding]

Thanks Shaemus. They plan to replace the wood posts when the water level lowers. 

They have a little "gate" in front to keep cars and trucks out. I recommended setting 2 posts to narrow the entry so only brother's tuk tuk can squeeze in, but... TIT.

 

Chancon is a good tip. I'll let them contact because Apple says the site isn't secure. Sister in BKK has a truck and is running the job.

 

I'd like them to use something they can walk on that also ties the horizontal frame together. But they really need to replace the wood columns and angle brace from 3 points before they do. 

Edited October 17, 2020 by ding

[Yellowtail]

Light gage expanded is is available in rolls, and you could send it out and have it hot-dipped.

 

Make sure you drill plenty of drain holes in that tubing.

 

Blocking cars and trucks is a must. 

[ourmanflint]

This design does not look at all safe, even for a tuk-tuk. The spans look far too big for the materials being used. Are they not adding extra braces to support it?

[Yellowtail]

On 7/24/2020 at 7:51 AM, ding said:

Maybe there's a good supplier for galvanized diamond plate near Udon Thani?

 

You can buy diamond plate and have it hot-dipped, but given the structure I would try to minimize the weight, if you want to go with steel, expanded would be a much better choice.

 

If you own that bridge and it is on your property you could be liable for anyone crossing it. is there boat traffic underneath?