The next step in the construction of the decorative Japanese bridge is to build concrete footings in its required position in the garden. The two main arch supports were first joined together to form the basic bridge structure. This was then braced with steel and fitted with steel support brackets on the end of each arch section. These brackets will be set into the concrete footings as shown below.
The concrete footing alignment frames were first squared and levelled in their required positions. The bridge arch framework (with attached support brackets) was then suspended over the holes that were previously dug within the alignment frames. The holes were next filled with concrete up to the top of the alignment frames and left to set.
Several days later after the concrete had cured sufficiently the Posts and rails were bolted to the arch with stainless steel bolts. It is important to lubricate the stainless steel bolts to prevent galling (or cold welding) of the nuts. I used Loctite 771 which also has nickel additives which is best for stainless bolts.
All the bridge parts had previously been painted with timber preservative to offer long term protection against fungal and insect attack. A final two coats of oil based enamel will be applied to all timber parts before fitting of the base planks.
Clamping the two bridge support arches together
Completed Japanese bridge arch section with steel reinforcement
Setting bridge arch over holes for the concrete footings. Steel brackets attached to the arch extend into the holes.
Concrete poured into bridge footing holes. Pieces of wood hold the bridge at the correct height until the concrete sets.
Concrete footings for the Japanese bridge completed. It will need several days to cure properly before any further work can be done.
After the concrete footings had cured the posts and rails were attached to the arch sections with stainless steel bolts.