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Of course you are probably aware that the deadload of the steel is only a small part of the loading on the piers along with the weight of the decking and the liveload; that is the heaviest vehicle to cross it while covered with snow while a crowd of spectators line the bridge to watch. While rail is in effect a beam designed to carry the weight of a locomotive, its unsupported span between ties is usually measured in inches not in feet. The spacing of the piers is critical and is dependant on the profile of the steel. The max. allowable span of a 6" high beam might not be all that great. The effective portion of the beam is only the height & the web or narrowest section of rail. <br /> <br />I assume this rail has supported your previous bridge and has proved adequate so you have a good feel for its capabilities. The above is only to caution against someone incorporating used rail in a structure where it might prove dangerous or fatal. I've worked with builders who would look at the steel rail and say "Hey, we're not building the blankety-blank Taj Majal, you know." I've also worked with a structural engineer whose specialty is investigating massive structural failures. I think his caution may have rubbed off on me. <br /> <br />Wayne
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