crossing trenches

[bimmer1980]

Just due to the layout of the land and where I piled the dirt, I did not have clear space around the perimeter of the new garage foundation. Therefore, I needed to get to the center of the garage (over the trenches) in order to dump rock in the bottom of the trench. Here's how I did it....

went to Lowes and got a smoking deal on 2x6's that were in the discount pile! $.10 on the dollar!! then I layered them up with some 2x4's to make a set of 8' long ramps. they are also about 15" wide.

I tested them by laying one up against the dirt pile and driving the bobcat up the ramp... (I had also run some numbers, so I felt pretty good about it..)

Then I laid them across the trench and proceeded to drive the skid loader across with buckets full of stone.

 

[bimmer1980]

here's the rest of the pictures... that is a 24 ton pile of stone. a tri-axle truck load....

 

[Uncle Buck]

I would not have an issue with the ramp devices you built to cross the trench. However, there is a huge issue on the bottom side, IE the trench side that is a very major issue. The issue is that either of those trench walls could easily have collapsed under the weight of the machine as you made your crossing. If the trench walls had been properly supported with the correct devices the liklyhood would not have been nearly as great, but even then a less than best scenerio.

The ramps were well thought out, the application left a lot to be desired. I wish you well with your project, looks like you are a hard working fellow to me.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Bump..............can't believe no one else commented on this.

 

[bimmer1980]

hey UB--good point. I did think of that when I put the ramps across, but there is a decent square area that the rampos rest on.... I have been keeping a close eye on the sides of the trenches. Since I still have more rock to put in the trench and the concrete for the footers, I wil probably go ahead and add some shoring.

I appreciate the safety check!!!

 

[porschedude996TT]

Good Job on using the brains GOD gave you. I'm glad that my foundation trench was not that wide and the mini excavator was able to drive over the span.