Wood Products Council is a Registered Provider with The

American Institute of Architects Continuing Education

Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be
reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of
Completion for non-AIA members are available on request.
Modern Timber Bridges
Meeting Todays Bridge Needs with Strength, Durability and Beauty This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content
that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or
endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any
Paul C. Gilham, P.E., S.E. method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing
Chief Engineer, Western Wood Structures, Inc. in any material or product. Questions related to specific
materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the
conclusion of this presentation.

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Introduction
Meeting Todays Bridge Needs with Strength, Durability and Beauty

Learning Objectives
Be Introduced to Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges.
Learn How Modern Timber Bridges are Suitable for Most
Bridge Applications.
Learn Benefits and Constraints of Available Timber Bridge
Types.
Learn How to Specify Timber Bridges.

Modern Timber Bridges Advantages of Modern Timber Bridges

Keystone Wye Lightweight and strength to carry

Rapid City, SD todays loads
1968
50-75 year life expectancy with
minimal maintenance requirements
Prefabrication speeds erection
time.
Timber is not affected by road
salts or freeze-thaw cycles.
Environmentally friendly
Cost Competitive
Aesthetically attractive
Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.
Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges Significant increases in member strength
Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers. Laminations are dried before gluing, reducing seasoning effects.
Modern Highway Design Codes Waterproof Adhesives.
Structural Engineering Analysis Conform to ASTM D2559
Bond is stronger than wood
Computer Modeling and Fabrication Detailing
Efficient use of resource
Plant Pre-fabrication Ability to manufacture long members
Modern Preservative Treatments Ability to manufacture curved members (camber & arches)

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers. Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.
Modern highway design codes.

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Design Codes and Specifications
Vehicular Bridges
Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Design Codes and Specifications

Vehicular Bridges
AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges
HS20-44 Vehicle (72 kip Truck with three axles)
10,000 lb. rail load
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
HL93 Vehicle (HS20-44 Vehicle plus 640 plf lane
load)
Crash Tested Rail Systems
Geometry (Lane widths, clearances, etc.)
Load Distribution
Wind & Seismic loads
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications Design Codes and Specifications
Vehicular Bridges Vehicular Bridges

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Design Codes and Specifications Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.

Pedestrian Bridges Modern highway design codes.
AASHTO Guide Specifications for Pedestrian Bridges
Structural Engineering Analysis.
85 psf Live Load
Computer analysis of structures
50 psf Wind Load
Suggested Vehicle Loads: Ability to optimize bridge design
Unless access is prevented or agency specified vehicle. Identifies trouble locations
6 10 ft. width: 10,000 lb Truck Greatly reduces design time
Over 10 ft. width: 20,000 lb Truck
42 or 54 high rails with 6 & 8 opening. (50 plf. lateral load)
International Building Code
100 psf Live Load
Wind and Seismic based on local requirements
42 high rails with 4 openings. (50 plf. lateral load)

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Structural Engineering Analysis.

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.
Modern highway design codes.
Structural Engineering Analysis.
Computer Modeling and Fabrication Detailing.
Computer Assisted Drafting
Solid Modeling
Ability to interface with fabrication equipment
Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges
Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Computer Modeling and Fabrication Detailing.

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.
Modern highway design codes.
Structural Engineering Analysis.
Computer Modeling and Fabrication Detailing.
Plant Pre-fabrication.
All cuts and bores are fabricated
Proper tools and equipment to fabricate large members
Allows quick jobsite assembly
Protects treating envelope and prevents jobsite contamination.

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Plant Pre-fabrication.

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges

Use of Glued-Laminated Timbers.
Modern highway design codes.
Structural Engineering Analysis.
Computer Modeling and Fabrication Detailing.
Plant Pre-fabrication.
Modern Preservative Treatments.
EPA registered pesticides
Effective prevention of decay and Insect attack
Complete treatment envelope

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Modern Preservative Treatments. Modern Preservative Treatments.
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges
Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Modern Preservative Treatments. Modern Preservative Treatments.

Chemical Minimization

Product cleanliness

Inspection and rejection

Fixation

Field Installation Guidelines

BMP Quality Control & Certification

Treated without BMPs Treated with BMPs

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Modern Preservative Treatments. Modern Preservative Treatments.

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Concepts of Modern Timber Bridges
Modern Preservative Treatments.

Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)

Boardwalks
Longitudinal Deck Bridges
Girder Bridges
Side Girder Bridges
Truss Bridges
Arch Bridges
Suspension Bridges
Covered Bridges
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Boardwalks Boardwalks
Used in wetlands and sensitive areas.
Used with multiple short spans. (8 to 12 lengths)
Light pier foundations (drilled in concrete piers, timber piles,
premanufactured pin foundations, helical anchors)

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges Pedestrian Bridges

Design Codes and Specifications Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Boardwalks Boardwalks

Driven Timber Piles Helical Anchor Installation

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Boardwalks
Vehicular Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Longitudinal Deck Bridges
Spans from 10 to 40
Low Clearance Requirements
Made from glued laminated deck panels
Easy installation

Diamond Pier Foundation

 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Vehicular Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Longitudinal Deck Bridges (Slab type Bridge) Girder Bridges
Most Common Bridge Structure
Longitudinal girders with transverse deck panels
Spans to 80 ft +

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types

Girder Bridges Girder Bridges

Glulam deck and rails Diaphragms & Rod Bracing

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Vehicular Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Girder Bridge Girder Bridge
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Vehicular Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types
Girder Bridge Side Girder Bridges
Used where clearance below bridge is limited.
Spans to 80 ft +
Requires floor beams and purlin secondary framing. (not ledgers)

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Side Girder Bridges Side Girder Bridges

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Truss Bridges (Bowstring or Parallel Chord) Truss Bridges (Pony Truss, Bowstring or Parallel Chord)
Spans from 85 to 200 Pony Truss Bridge
Light weight members 8 x 100
Significantly more fabrication and connecting steel
Beaverton, Oregon
More complicated erection procedures
Truss can be above or below deck
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Pedestrian Bridges
Design Codes and Specifications
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types
Truss Bridges (Pony Truss, Bowstring or Parallel Chord) Truss Bridges (Pony Truss, Bowstring or Parallel Chord)
Bowstring Truss
Bridge
10 x 135
Beaverton, Oregon

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types Bridge Types

Truss Bridge Truss Bridges
Martis Creek Bridge Cosumnes River
Bridge
32 x 147 Two Lane Vehicle
Bridge 10 x 410
Rancho Murieta, CA
Truckee, CA

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types
Arch Bridges
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Arch Bridges
Spans from 100 to 200
Larger Members than trusses
Less fabrication and connection steel
More complicated erection procedures
Arches can be above or below deck
More complicated foundations

Hopland Casino Bridge - 18 x 180 w/ 15 ton truck

Hopland, California
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Bridge Types Bridge Types

Arch Bridges Arch Bridges

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Arch Bridges Arch Bridges

Centennial Garden Bridge - 8 x 100

Longview, WA

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types

Arch Bridges Arch Bridges

Cascade Highlands
Bridge
10 x 80

Bend, OR

South Prairie Creek/Lower Burnett Road Bridge - 14 x 398

Buckley, WA
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types
Suspension Bridges (Caternary or Cable Stayed)
Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Suspension Bridges (Caternary or Cable Stayed)
Spans from 100 to 400
Very small members
Cable and Tower Designs are significant
Must include cable anchorage to foundations to the the longitudinal
elements.

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types Bridge Types

Suspension Bridges (Caternary or Cable Stayed) Suspension Bridges (Caternary or Cable Stayed)

Hiroshima Airport Bridge Hiroshima, Japan 16 x 475

Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints) Bridge Types (Benefits and Constraints)
Covered Bridges Covered Bridges
Special Case of Truss or Girder Bridge Special Case of Truss or Girder Bridge

Alpental Ski Bridge - 10x185 three span parallel chord truss bridge with roof
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

Specifying Timber Bridges Recap:

Length, Clear Span, Center to Center of Abutments, Out to out.
Consider Scour Potential, 100-year Flood Elevation & Stream Protection
Width. (Based on anticipated traffic)
Governing Building Code. (Determines Vehicle Load, Live Load,
Wind and Seismic Loads)
Bridge Style (Include slope and/or camber).
Rail Configuration.
Clearance Constraints, if any.
Pre-qualified bridge supplier.
Calculations & Shop Drawings stamped by Professional Engineer.
Certificates of Conformance for glulam, steel shapes, hardware and
preservative treating.
Foundation Design (Designed by Consultant or Bridge Supplier)
Modern Timber Bridges combine the use of glued-laminated
timbers, the most recent highway design codes, computer
assisted analysis and detailing methods and environmentally
appropriate preservative treatments to provide structures
capable of carrying todays design loads and durable enough
for a 75 year life expectancy.
Several common structural systems including slabs, beams,
trusses, arches, and suspension structures can be
implemented in constructing timber bridges.
Specifying a timber bridge includes identifying length and
width required, the governing building codes, bridge and rail
style preferred and quality assurance measures.

Modern Timber Bridges