Low weight bridges
We are getting a fifth-wheel. I am aware of the height issues with the new camper. I never thought about the weight until tonight. Pick up will be 3+ tons The fifth-wheel is 6+ tons. That is a a ...
Forum Discussion
JW of Opechee Shores wrote:
Having gone to college for civil engineering I can tell you that bridges are designed with a safety factor depending on span. Design will consider how much weight could be on a span should traffic come to a stop in both directions on the span with vehicles at max load. This would be the max dead load and if traffic is m0ving then that is a live load which has less impact. A 5 ton bridge limit should support a minimum of 10 ton plus safety factor.
While I don’t disagree about the design factors, I will say that there are a great many bridges in this country which cannot support their design weight due to age, erosion around the supports or simple lack of maintenance.
Many county road bridges which do not get state funds are in horrible shape. I try to avoid traveling on county roads if possible.
Another reason to research your route and not blindly trust a GPS.
