Techniques to Bring New Life to Timber Bridges
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 8
Abstract
This paper describes the extensive Forest Service transportation system, one of the world's largest, and its role in the economy of the United States. About 6,500 of the roughly 13,000 bridges on this 330,000‐mile (531,000‐km) system have wood as a major structural component. Reasons why wood is a viable and competitive structural material are discussed. Inspection procedures to detect decay and conditions conducive to decay are discussed, as well as preservative treatments which are used to minimize decay. A method to determine strength loss due to decay is presented. Timber bridge maintenance is discussed from the standpoint of preventive, early remedial, and major maintenance. Examples of bridge rehabilitation (major maintenance) of deteriorated and substandard timber bridges are shown and discussed.
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References
1.
Bruesch, L. D., “Forest Service Timber Bridge Specifications,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Dec., 1982.
2.
Eslyn, Wallace E., and Clark, Joe W., Wood Bridges—Decay Inspection and Control, USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 557, 1979.
3.
Highley, Terry L., and Eslyn, Wallace E., “Using Fumigants to Control Interior Decay in Waterfront Timbers,” Forest Products Journal, Vol. 32, No. 2, 1981, pp. 32–34.
4.
Howlett, Myles R., “Managing a 200,000‐mile Road System: Opportunity and Challenge,” TRB Special Report 160, Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1975.
5.
Moody, R. C., et al., Strength of Log Bridge Stringers After Several Year's Use in Southeast Alaska, Research Paper FPL 346, Forest Products Laboratory, USDA Forest Service, 1979.
6.
Richardson, Barry A., Wood Preserving, The Construction Press, Lancaster, England, 1978.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 110 • Issue 8 • August 1984
Pages: 1832 - 1846
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Aug 1, 1984
Published in print: Aug 1984
Authors
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