Has anyone had experience with bottomless arch culverts?

[LongViewFarm]

I have to cross a stream to get to my proposed building site. (Another permit, another headache.)
In my research I found a product I really like. It’s a bottomless arch made from polymer instead of steel or alloy. The reduces weight and increases longevity. The open bottom preserves stream bed integrity and the installation looks much simpler, easier, and environmentally sensitive. I see that these have been used on logging roads and can handle the weight of a fully loaded log truck and trailer.
My only concern is about longevity, specifically as it relates to the sills. That being said I think these would get me a nice crossing quickly and preserve the environment. If I need to dig and reset the sills in 10-15 years, that would be a time to put something more expensive and permanent in.
Here’s a link to the company’s description of the product. I can’t find anybody selling it in the US. Can you?? http://www.soleno.com/produit.php?id=54

http://www.soleno.com/telechargement/Soleno_enviro_span_en.pdf

The stream I have to cross has a 50″ width today in the pouring rain, with good approaches and a 180 acre watershed upstream. It does usually dry up for 3-6 weeks in August.

Has anybody used these or heard about them? Was anything like this put in in VT after Irene? I’d be glad to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!

PDF with technical specs

[Michel Boulay]

Went on there web site and couldn’t find anything. Only thing I can think of is to contact the company and find out from them if there is a distribution center in the US.

Mike

[carl ny]

First thing I would do is find out if it is legal in your state,county,town.If not,no sense going any farther. JMHO

carl ny

[Author]

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