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 Today’s 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 Today’s 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 ƒLightweight and strength to carry

Rapid City, SD today’s loads
1968
ƒ50-75 year life expectancy with
minimal maintenance requirements
ƒPrefabrication speeds erection
time.
ƒTimber is not affected by road
salts or freeze-thaw cycles.
ƒEnvironmentally friendly
ƒCost Competitive
ƒAesthetically 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.

ƒChemical Minimization

ƒProduct cleanliness

ƒInspection and rejection

ƒFixation

ƒField Installation Guidelines

ƒBMP 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
 Modern Timber Bridges Modern Timber Bridges

„ 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 - 10’x185’ 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 today’s 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