Log bridges are made by felling a tree across a river and can be basic or advanced with shaped tops, rails, and reinforced supports. Nature can also create log bridges. Foundations, tie-downs, and treated wood can increase durability.
A log bridge is a bridge made by felling a log across a river. There are numerous variations of the basic log bridge, including bridges that are actually quite complex and designed for long-term use. The log bridge is probably the oldest bridge known to man, with minimal effort required to install the most basic of log bridges.
Humans aren’t the only ones building log bridges. Occasionally, nature creates log bridges without any help. Trees growing near streams can fall over naturally, especially during heavy rains when the ground becomes too boggy for the tree’s roots to attach. In this case, the tree could fall across the river, creating a natural bridge that can last for years before rotting away. Such bridges are sometimes used by animals as a natural crossing, and humans have been known to do the same.
In a basic log bridge, a tree near a river is felled to cross it, or a felled tree is dragged to a spot where a bridge is desired. The top of the bridge can be shaped to create a level walkway, making the bridge safer and more comfortable to use, and some people also install rails that can be grabbed for safety or overhead lines that are grabbed by people crossing the bridge. Since log decks can get slippery, especially in the winter, a grab rail can be a great idea for safety.
More advanced log bridges are made with multiple logs felled together to create a wide bridge. The tops of the logs can be shaped or planks can be laid to create a level surface for walking or driving. These types of bridges can accommodate pack animals, vehicles, and people. If the deck is high up, you can create reinforced supports to ensure the deck is secure.
People who want a log deck to last will install the foundation before installing it. Gravel or rock foundations create drainage on both sides of the deck, reducing the risk of rot in the area where the deck is in contact with the ground. The bridge may also be tied down for reinforcement, supported with pillars and scaffolding, and otherwise secured so that it is as stable as possible. For added durability, treated wood can be used, with the wood being resistant to mold, mildew, rot, and insects that could compromise the integrity of the deck.
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