Extending service life of timber bridges with preservatives

James Wacker; Douglas M. Crawford

Treesearch

Extending service life of timber bridges with preservatives

Informally Refereed

Authors:

James Wacker, Douglas M. Crawford

Year:

2003

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

Source:

Proceedings of the 19th U.S.-Japan Bridge Engineering Workshop : UJNR Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects : Tsukuba, Japan, October 27-30, 2003. Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-Ken, Japan : Public Works Research Institute, 2003. Technical memorandum (PWRI) ; no. 3902: pages 77-85.

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Abstract

Treated timber bridges have been widely used for railroad and highway bridges throughout the United States during the 20th century. However, improvements in preservative technology are needed as a result of changing environmental views and public perceptions concerning the use of preservative treated wood in aquatic environments. Within the past 15 years, three national programs have been established to advance technologies related to timber transportation structures. A key design aspect for timber highway bridges is the selection of preservative treatment to improve durability while minimizing potential environmental impacts. This paper summarizes timber bridge preservation technology in the United States, including pressure treatment preservatives, field treatments, and remedial techniques.

Keywords

Building materials, service life, wooden bridges, preservation, wood preservatives, wood deterioration, deterioration, United States, decay, durability

Citation

Wacker, James P.; Crawford, Douglas M. 2003. Extending service life of timber bridges with preservatives. Proceedings of the 19th U.S.-Japan Bridge Engineering Workshop : UJNR Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects : Tsukuba, Japan, October 27-30, 2003. Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-Ken, Japan : Public Works Research Institute, 2003. Technical memorandum (PWRI) ; no. 3902: pages 77-85.