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Topic: bridge weight limit (Read 658 times) previous topic - next topic

bridge weight limit

I know there is a formula but just as a rule of thumb...what kind of max weight limit on a small bridge am I at with the U240?  I know the axles being spread out is part of the equation as is the gross weight.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: bridge weight limit

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
I know there is a formula but just as a rule of thumb...what kind of max weight limit on a small bridge am I at with the U240?  I know the axles being spread out is part of the equation as is the gross weight.

The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula

The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula, also referred to as the Federal Bridge Formula or Bridge Formula B, is part of a larger set of size and weight restrictions enacted by the federal government to help regulate commercial traffic on interstate highways and bridges. The formula limits the ratio of a truck's weight to its length. This means that longer trucks are permitted to carry more weight than shorter trucks, since the weight can be more evenly distributed across longer trucks and therefore will be less likely to cause damage to roads and bridges.
Truck Freight Restrictions

Federal roads and bridges come under stress from the many cars and trucks that pass over them each day. Vehicles that are too heavy can cause severe damage to roads and bridges, costing millions of dollars of taxpayer money in repairs and maintenance. In the past, trucks over the legal weight limit have caused serious damages to bridges:

    Between 1967 and 2007, more than 1,500 bridges collapsed
    In 1987, the Schoharie Creek Bridge collapsed in New York
    In 2007, the Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge collapsed in Minneapolis

For this reason, the U.S. Department of Transportation, along with truck drivers, determine the appropriate weight of vehicles using the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula.
The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula

Weight limits
 
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: bridge weight limit

Reply #2 –
I look at the weight limit on small bridges as for example, it a bridge sign claims 10 ton limit, my coach is 15 ton, if the bridge is short, and only one axle is on the bridge at one time, meaning 7.5 Ton, I am well under the limit.
On the other hand, think.
Dave M

Re: bridge weight limit

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Dave M –
I look at the weight limit on small bridges as for example, it a bridge sign claims 10 ton limit, my coach is 15 ton, if the bridge is short, and only one axle is on the bridge at one time, meaning 7.5 Ton, I am well under the limit.
On the other hand, think.
Dave M
For our coach, front axle is 5 tons, rear axle is 10 tons. We are generally not concerned, but do avoid any bridges with a posted limit of less than 10 tons.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: bridge weight limit

Reply #4 –
The Federal Bridge Formula for only applies on federal Interstate Highway System.  The states have their own Bridge Formula.  I really doubt that any of us will come close to violating any of those laws.

The bridges that we have to worry about are the ones that have regular posted weights that say _ Ton Weight Limit or  Axle Weight Limit _ Tons and may look like Manual of Traffic Signs - R12 Series Signs.  You will find them on the side roads.  And often on the ones leading to rural campgrounds.  I think most of us weight less than 20 ton total.  The biggest thing we most likely have to worry about is gross and axle weight, and we should all know what our weights are.  Seeing we all know what we weight, we should have no problem with posted roads. 

But you might run into a campground that is on the other side of one of those posted bridges.  Call the campground and ask how to get there without crossing the bridge.  If the only way there is to cross the bridge, well it is up to you to do what ever.  I can tell you that the fines for weight violations are very high.  And usually only commercial trucks are targeted.  Some municipalities have collected bridge damage repairs from violators.  I use to deliver plants in tractor trailers to nurseries which were sometimes located on the other side of some of the posted bridges.  There was no way I was going to manhandle 10 ton of live plants over the bridge, and took my chances.  Didn't get paid to do that, and did not get paid enough anyways.  But had I got caught, I would have been paying for years!  So I'm not telling you its okay to cross them.  And today, I don't do that kind of stuff.  20 years of working for a union trucking outfit that did things by the book while paying me a good wage and good benefits made me see the light.  They even paid fines if something I got a ticket for was their fault.  Oh, they are still in business too!
1994 U225
build #4514