Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Land Issues, Trail Projects & Trail Stewardship => Topic started by: 01sahara on September 02, 2008, 12:44:48 PM
-
Bridge Build Weekend #2 September 13th and 14th
It looks like we have all the parts in place to move forward with construction of the bridge on Meadow Creek Trail.
Please post up who is available to help with the project on the dates above. Several of us will be camping out in the area for the weekend, others will be commuting, some will only be coming for one of the two days as there schedule allows.
I will post up a tool list and details on where to meet by next weekend. Please remember it is important to bring your own personal protective equipment, boots, eye protection, gloves...
More details to follow soon.
Thanks,
Blair
-
I will be there on the 13th with bells on and ready to hold up a shovel ;D
-
I'll be there also.
-
Blair, I'll give you a call tonight about moving the materials out to waiparous.
Also, Amanda has asked for a dump trailer. Do you know if this is to be loaded with dirt and run across the river and up the trail ?
-
Blair, I'll give you a call tonight about moving the materials out to waiparous.
Also, Amanda has asked for a dump trailer. Do you know if this is to be loaded with dirt and run across the river and up the trail ?
To be used for moving the fill from the hill slope to both sides of the creek. It's a short distance.
-
how many people r going sunday
-
I'd *love* to help out... if I could ditch the 3 year old for the weekend, but wifey has wonky schedules with transit.
-
What do you guys need help with? I might have this weekend open, just hafta check with the lady. Can help with labour, was a framer, am a welder, and am pretty good with a wrench. Might be up for camping out, but doubt my g/f will be up for the cold weather camping.
Forgot to mention - need to tail someone out there cause I have no idea where I'd be headed.
-
What do you guys need help with? I might have this weekend open, just hafta check with the lady. Can help with labour, was a framer, am a welder, and am pretty good with a wrench. Might be up for camping out, but doubt my g/f will be up for the cold weather camping.
Forgot to mention - need to tail someone out there cause I have no idea where I'd be headed.
I will post a map up inthe next day or two.
Blair
-
Just want to share something with you, found this on google, makes for a good relatively cheap bridge up to 48' long, and all you have to do is lock the doors if you want to limit access to it. something to consider for your next project mabe. (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/Ralphcarr/2003859122220717472_rs.jpg)
-
That's cool... but I'm not sure trucks will fit across that...
-
Sorry guys I'll be Ottawa for my mom's wedding this weekend so I'll have to pass. Good luck guys looking forward to seeing this thing finished. Wish I could be there to help finish it though.
-
Only a few days to the bridge project so here is some more info.
On Saturday we will split up into some groups with one group working on drilling 60+- holes we still need in the bridge beams and also assembling the bridge components. We will have a generator on site but more would be helpful. Also large sockets, wrenches and electric impact wrenches will be helpfull, pinbars and a come-along with chain would be helpfull aligning components.
A second group will be working on completing the abutments and adding some fill to raise the level of the bridge. For this rakes, shovels, drills hammers, chain saw and chain saw pants all will be tools we need.
At the end of the day Saturday we hope to have the bridge in place and the steel components all assembled.
On sunday we will move the wood for the bridge deck, and install it on the bridge. For this saws, hammers, drills, screw guns, , grinder with a cut off wheel, generator, chain saw and chain saw pants, all will be helpfull tools. If you have tools bring them please.
Please remember to bring and use personal proper safety equipment.
Below is a ling to maps on the ASRD web site.
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fieldoffices/southernrockies/ghostwaiparous/pdf/Panel_B2.pdf
The bridge is located between points 93 and 89 on the map. We will be meeting at the Ghost Air strip at 8:45 and leaving for the bridge site by 9;15. If you are coming in on a quad you can unload and start the trail from the gravel pit.
If you want to camp for the weekend please send me a PM and I can provide you with that info.
Thanks for your help.
-
For those coming out on Saturday, lets meet at Smitty's Cochrane around 7:15 for a BIG BACON Breakfast. Let's plan to roll out of the parking lot around 8:15 - 8:30 for those that can't wake up that early.
We'll meet Blair and the gang at the Ghost air strip.
-
Between points 93 and 89... :o
Oh never mind I'm thinking of the bridge at 91, that's a sketchy one with all those metal bars sticking up...wide tires beware I've already had one flat there. Gave me and my buddy some time to pull a bunch of trash out of that little creek too...you wouldn't belive how much crap was in the water near that bridge. >:(
-
we might be able to make it out for sunday, saturday we have a wedding to go to :P let you know more soon
-
Oh never mind I'm thinking of the bridge at 91, that's a sketchy one with all those metal bars sticking up...wide tires beware I've already had one flat there.
That one is next on the list for some club to replace.
-
Just want to share something with you, found this on google, makes for a good relatively cheap bridge up to 48' long, and all you have to do is lock the doors if you want to limit access to it. something to consider for your next project mabe. (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/Ralphcarr/2003859122220717472_rs.jpg)
Trailers make a great bridge. Especially 8.5'x53' flat deck trailers, but SRD will not approve their installation unless they are certifed by an engineer that they can be used as a bridge. I've discussed this with a an engineering firm and they don't figure anyone would stamp one for that use.
I don't understand why SRD is being that way as they are will to allow drill stem bridges for quads. Trailers are much stronger and easier to install. And you can pick up a used flat deck for about $3500.00 at the auctions. :-\
-
I don't understand why SRD is being that way as they are will to allow drill stem bridges for quads. Trailers are much stronger and easier to install. And you can pick up a used flat deck for about $3500.00 at the auctions. :-\
And that statement is probably two very good reasons why ASRD won't approve them. Easy to install and priced low enough that people could get a hold of them easier and get more installed in a shorter period of time. Goes against thier principles of keeping the system down to the 5 trails.
-
Dave, I'm curious. If they won't accept them due to engineer stamp, does that mean they have an engineer to go and stamp the bridges that have been cut , welded, and installed on the past few projects done by people. Have they also had some one to stamp all the bridges, installed throughout Castle, Waiparous, and so on, be it wooden or steel. Highly unlikely!!!!!!!
-
Have they also had some one to stamp all the bridges, installed throughout Castle, Waiparous, and so on, be it wooden or steel. Highly unlikely!!!!!!!
No, but they get designs from other provinces that have been approved by an engineer, like the one on meadow creek; came from Ontario
-
To all the volenters this weekend that gave up time and supplied equipment, Thank You! We had individuals from the Calgary Jeep Association, Calgary Quad Squad, AURS, 2nd Gear club and may other individual volenters. Sorry if I missed any groups this morning, I don't have the sign in sheets with me. A very good group of pepole made great progress on completing the bridge. We still require fill to the approaches at both ends of the bridge, the bridge requires curbs, some finishing work on the deck and some fencing installed but the principal components are in place and assembled. Good work.
I will post info on the final day of building as soon as plans are finalized.
-
Dave, I'm curious. If they won't accept them due to engineer stamp, does that mean they have an engineer to go and stamp the bridges that have been cut , welded, and installed on the past few projects done by people. Have they also had some one to stamp all the bridges, installed throughout Castle, Waiparous, and so on, be it wooden or steel. Highly unlikely!!!!!!!
LOL... No they have not been "stamped". They started out as an engineered design is all I'm saying. If we want to get technical then I guess we can. Trailers are not designed as bridges. But we all know they Will work. SRD will not buy in to the concept unless they have been approved or designed by an engineer saying they can be used as one. Basically if an engineer would be willing to "stamp the design" then we would be good to go. I've been trying to work with an engineer firm to try and get them to say on paper that a 53' flat deck would work as a bridge that would support 10K. They need to look at the trailers design and sign off on the idea. The firm I'm taking to is willing to step out of the engineering box and look at what the bridge is being used for and say yes it will work and be safe. They will not stamp the final product because they aren't on site watching the install nor are we installing them as they would expect them to be installed.
Spray lakes use rail cars for bridges when hauling heavy logging trucks and equipment in. They are "approved" as a temporary bridge because an engineer firm approved the design and they install them to a certain standard.
ATV bridges made from drill stem are designed by an engineer and the design is approved for the wait of an ATV.
Log bridges are designed by an engineer. The ones installed on lost knife are an approved design. But they are limited on their length and also they have a short life span.
The bridge that was installed this past weekend was an approved design that has been stamp in various locations. This won't be because we altered the design and there was no engineer on site to inspect all aspects of the job. SRD is not worried about it. They know it can support the weight so its fine by them.
Point being we just can slap something over the water. It doesn't need to be stamped upon completion but its does have to be designed or approved by an engineer to work in the application that it's being installed for.
Bikes and ATV's have been working with engineering firms and installing bridges approved by engineers for years. The 80' bridges were engineered and yes they were cut in half, but there was permission to do so and the risks were discussed with an engineer. They were found that they would still function as a suitable bridge in the trails. That's why on e is sitting on Leisure Creek. With the hopes that the trail will open to 4x4, it will support the weight.
The 4x4 clubs need to follow the lead of the ATV's and get things like flat deck trailers approved by an engineer or get something drawn up.
I think the Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 club is working on getting a design approved. The other alternative is to use plans like the one used on Meadow Creek, which to be honest wasn't a bad one at all. I was quite supprised how easy it went in.
The biggest hassle for installing any of these big bridges is getting the equipment in. The smaller ATV and bike bridges can be install with simple hand tools and some hard work.
SRD is just covering their arse. It's not that you can't put a trailer across. You just need someone to say it will hold the weight.
-
I don't understand why SRD is being that way as they are will to allow drill stem bridges for quads. Trailers are much stronger and easier to install. And you can pick up a used flat deck for about $3500.00 at the auctions. :-\
My mistake. I must have misinterpretted your comment. I guess you do unstandstand why ASRD won't accept a trialer as a bridge just yet. Thanks for the explanation in your above post.
-
To all the volenters this weekend that gave up time and supplied equipment, Thank You! We had individuals from the Calgary Jeep Association, Calgary Quad Squad, AURS, 2nd Gear club and many other individual volenters. Sorry if I missed any groups this morning, I don't have the sign in sheets with me. A very good group of pepole made great progress on completing the bridge. We still require fill to the approaches at both ends of the bridge, the bridge requires curbs, some finishing work on the deck and some fencing installed but the principal components are in place and assembled. Good work.
I will post info on the final day of building as soon as plans are finalized.
It looks like a few volenters will be going out to complete the last items on the bridge this coming Sunday. If you are interested in helping please meet me at the gravel pit between 8:45 and 9:00
Thanks again for all the help. The combined efforts of many volenters resulted in an impressive bridge.
-
Sunday 21st finish work on the bridge.
Garry will supply the bobcat. If we have two or three that can help with shovel / rake work that would be great.
I am planing to go out to work on installing the curb and finish screwing down the deck boards. If one or two are available to help with that we need an electric impact gun for some lag bolts and two good drills if possible.
Fence work to be finished with 8 posts 6 rails and some wire to go up. The bobcat can drill out the post holes. Equipment needed pliers and hammers.
Thanks,
Blair
-
Sunday 21st finish work on the bridge.
Garry will supply the bobcat. If we have two or three that can help with shovel / rake work that would be great.
I am planing to go out to work on installing the curb and finish screwing down the deck boards. If one or two are available to help with that we need an electric impact gun for some lag bolts and two good drills if possible.
Fence work to be finished with 8 posts 6 rails and some wire to go up. The bobcat can drill out the post holes. Equipment needed pliers and hammers.
Thanks,
Blair
Updated
If the weather looks like rain we may postpone the bobcat work, as it is difficult to get the trailer in and out of the bush in wet conditions. I would still like to go out and install the curb on the bridge and get that job out of the way. It would only take a few hours to finish that part of the job.
If the sky looks good on Sunday morning we will bring the bobcat in and open the bridge. Who wants to be first to drive across it?
-
I say Blaire should be the first to drive across and "christen" the new bridge since hes put in so much work for it. You can borrow my Jeep to do it since you broke yours.
-
i second blair
-
Yup, Blair should definitely be the first guy across the bridge.
-
Yup, Blair should definitely be the first guy across the bridge.
I am not worried about being first. I am just looking forward to taking a photo of the first one across, so I can call the project is finished. The weather is looking better for bringing in the Bobcat tomorrow It would be great if we could get 6-7 volenters out.
-
I am not worried about being first. I am just looking forward to taking a photo of the first one across, so I can call the project is finished. The weather is looking better for bringing in the Bobcat tomorrow It would be great if we could get 6-7 volenters out.
Who else is coming?
-
Sunday was to wet to have the equipment trailer on the trail so we just worked on the bridge and installed the curbs on the sides of it. We will need to fit in a dry Saturday or Sunday to do the approaches soon.
Thanks to Shawn for the ride out to the site and helping install the curbs. Thanks to Garry and Jim for hauling the material in for us.
-
;D