How Much Does a Bison Bridge Beam Weigh?

A Bison galvanised steel bridge beam weighs between 71kg for a 3m span and 567kg for a 12m span. The beam is the heaviest single component of a Bison pedestrian bridge. Because every Bison bridge is supplied in kit form, the parts can be moved by hand to sites with no vehicle access. For longer spans, beams can also be supplied spliced into shorter sections for easier handling.

Bison bridge beam weights by span

The table below shows the weight of each galvanised steel beam for each pedestrian bridge span.

Bison pedestrian bridge beam weights by span – single length and spliced

Bridge span	Single-length beam	Spliced beam
	Weight per beam	Sections	Weight per section
3m	71kg	Not usually spliced	–
4m	94kg	Not usually spliced	–
5m	112kg	Not usually spliced	–
6m	153kg	2 × 3m	76.5kg
7m	207kg	2 × 3.5m	103.5kg
8m	293kg	2 × 4m	146.5kg
9m	342kg	2 × 4.5m	171kg
10m	439kg	2 × 5m	219.5kg
11m	520kg	2 × 5.5m	260kg
12m	567kg	2 × 6m	283.5kg

(Please enquire for weights of beams longer than 12 mtr)

Weights are for a single beam. All other bridge components weigh less than the beam.

A spliced section weighs half of the full-length beam it comes from. It weighs more than a standard beam of the same length, because longer spans need a heavier steel section. For example, each 5m section of a spliced 10m beam weighs 219.5kg, while a standard 5m beam weighs 112kg.

Why Bison bridges are supplied in kit form.

Many footbridges are needed where a lorry or crane cannot reach: across streams, ditches and drainage channels, on nature trails, in gardens and on farmland. Bison bridges are supplied as a kit so each component can be carried to the chosen location and assembled in place. Knowing the weight of the heaviest part – the beam – lets you plan how many people, or what lifting equipment, you will need on the day.

Spliced bridge beams for easier handling

Bison bridge steels are also available in a spliced format. Instead of one full-length beam, each beam is supplied in shorter sections that are joined together on site. Each section weighs less than a full beam, so it is easier to carry over rough ground, through gates or along narrow paths.

Spliced beams are worth considering when:

• the bridge span is long and the full beam would be too heavy to carry by hand
• access to the site is tight, with narrow paths, gates or steps
• the beam must be carried a long distance from where the delivery vehicle can stop

Tell us about your site and we will confirm whether spliced beams suit your project.

Steel vs timber bridge beams: is the extra weight worth it?

Yes. Galvanised steel beams weigh more than timber beams of the same span, but they last far longer. Timber is lighter to carry but is prone to rot, splitting and decay, especially where a bridge sits over water or in damp ground. Galvanised steel resists corrosion and keeps its strength for many years with minimal maintenance.

The extra effort of moving a heavier beam happens once, on installation day. The benefit of a longer-lasting, low-maintenance bridge is felt every year after that. With spliced beams available, the extra weight of steel need not be a barrier, even on hard-to-reach sites.

Frequently asked questions

Talk to us about your bridge

Not sure which span you need, or whether spliced beams would help on your site? Contact the Built By Bison team for advice and a quote. Use the quick quote tool here or please call our team on 01530 242 405