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    How do I get an estimate for a park and trail bridge project I am considering?

    Use our free online Request A Quote form to begin the process. Fill in the details and we will work with you to develop an accurate quote for your project. If you prefer, you can visit our contact page to reach us by phone or email.

    How long will it take to provide the bridge once its been ordered?

    The schedule from order to delivery is determined on a project by project basis. Use our free online Request A Quote form to give us details about your project. We can put together an estimate for your project that will include scheduling information.  Most of our typical spans are shipped within approximately 60 days of order.

    Will you install the bridge once it's built?

    CCG does not install these bridges. See our installation guide you can review the different methods of installation. Depending on the type of bridge and the terrain, installation can be performed quickly by a small number of people.

    I need a bridge that can support cars as well as pedestrians. Can you provide a solution?

    E.T. Techtonics park and trail bridges by are typically designed to support pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian uses.  They are also often designed to support ATV's, golf carts, and trail maintenance equipment.  Our bridges can also be designed for light vehicle applications (10,000 lbs./5T) which includes cars, light pick-up trucks and ambulances.  We do not provide vehicular or highway bridges.

    What is the weight of the heaviest member in the bridge system?

    Components in our bridge system are designed to be hand carried to the site.  Usually the heaviest component weighs approximately 90 lbs.

    Can the bridge be shipped assembled?

    Depending on the width the bridge system can be shipped assembled.  Most of our clients prefer to have it shipped unassembled as this is the most cost effective approach.

    When are bridges spliced?

    Usually we splice bridges over 50'-0" due to shipping.  We splice bridges under 50'-0" when requested by the client. Transportation, installation and location typically dictate the most effective component lengths.

    What is the longest component you have manufactured and shipped to date?

    We have fabricated and shipped 65'-0" long components.  Shipping is the major issue and expense when considering components of this length.  There is a large cost savings when components of this length are spliced.  We recommend splicing.

    How long a span can you provide with the bridge system?

    Our longest span to date is 152'. 

    Can you design the bridge with a chamber?

    Yes.  Note that most cambers require special shop fitting and cambered trusses must be shipped assembled, so this involves additional fabrication costs.  Unloading and carrying these assembled trusses may also be more difficult at the jobsite.  Assembled trusses for bridges up to 50’-0 in length usually weigh approximately 15 lbs./ft.  Bridges over 50’-0 will have spliced truss sections, but due to the heavier components required in the design these sections will weigh approximately 25 lbs./ft.  Most of our clients prefer a standard dead load camber only, which can be shipped in component parts for easier transport into remote areas.

    What type of foundations can be used with your bridge system? Do you provide foundation design?

    Standard concrete foundations are typically used with our bridge system.  We will provide you a drawing which details the required anchor bolt layout.  Anchor bolts can either be cast in place or drilled/epoxied to suit.  Clients have also successfully used helical piers with wood or concrete sills, and gabions with wood or concrete sills.  We do not provide foundation design, anchor bolts, or soil evaluations.  A geotech engineer should be consulted for the foundation design.

    There is an elevation difference between one side of our bridge site and the other side. Can we install your bridge on a slope?

    We have done several bridges of this type. We can discuss the various design options with you and the related costs, if any.

    For what types of applications do you recommend using stainless steel bolts over hot dipped galvanized fasteners?

    In marine type environments and extremely wet environments, we specify stainless steel bolts.  We recommend using grade 316SS over 304SS to insure that the fasteners will not exhibit any corrosion.

    FRP composite decking is available and is ideal for pedestrian bridges located in harsh environments. It is light weight, easy to carry and will withstand the test of time, while providing an ADA compliant slip resistant surface. The most cost-effective decking is standard pressure treated (ACQ) wood.  We specify #2 Southern Yellow Pine as this is readily available in our area of the country.  We recommend 3"x12" for typical pedestrian and bicycle applications.  For equestrian, trail equipment and ATV type applications we use 3"x12".  Recycled plastic lumber can also be used as a price point between FRP decking and wood.  IPE (hardwood) has been used by our clients on occasions but again at additional cost. Some clients prefer to supply their own deck materials, such as Douglas Fir.  For equestrian type applications, we recommend using 3"x12" as horses are sensitive to various textures and sounds of decking.

    CCG has standardized the spacing at 4".  There is no governing standard for trail and park bridge design. For trail bridges the standard maximum opening between horizontal safety midrails is recommended at 9"or less. Typical codes which govern building design recommend a 4"maximum opening for all railings and stairways.  Based on this some of our clients specify 4" openings. 

    How do the properties of fiberglass compare with typical structural steel, reinforced concrete, wood and aluminum?

    Fiberglass has similar strength characteristics (tension, compression, bending) to that of steel and aluminum and significantly higher properties in comparison with reinforced concrete and wood.  It is 1/5th the weight of steel and 1/2 the weight of aluminum.  Its modulus of elasticity is similar to reinforced concrete.  Its coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of steel and aluminum.   Due to its high strength properties it is a viable lightweight alternative to traditional materials of construction with the benefit of being rot and corrosion proof.

    How does fiberglass perform in harsh environmental conditions?

    Fiberglass holds up extremely well in salt air and wet environments and is not affected by termites.  Most of our spans, in shady forest locations, exhibit very little change in the appearance of the material over many years.  In locations of strong constant sunlight (ultraviolet light) there will be color fading over time, and eventual possible surface deterioration of the material.  This does not affect structural performance.  We warrant the structural performance of our bridges for 15 years.

    What type of maintenance will I have to do to the access bridge?

    The fiberglass bridge system is designed to be virtually maintenance-free (a 15-year structural warranty is provided). UV fading will occur over time. The extent is based on the sun's intensity and location. 

    Still have questions? Contact us!