Condition Assessment of Iowa Timber Bridges Using Advanced Inspection Tools

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study undertaken to assess the condition of timber bridges in the state of Iowa. This study was carried out as part of an overall national study spearheaded by the Forest Products Laboratory and FHWA to investigate the field performance of timber bridges throughout the United States. In the U.S., Iowa has the most timber bridge structures at more than 2,500. The inspection team utilized advanced NDE assessment tools such as the resistance microdrill and other acoustic devices to evaluate the condition of the suspect areas of the timber sub- and superstructure elements. The three clusters of timber bridges were selected by the Forest Products Laboratory to ensure that they are representative of the various types of timber bridges in the state and matched other sets of bridges in other climatic regions of the U.S. Detailed results of the inspection conducted on these three bridge clusters in Iowa are presented. These results will provide a better understanding of the design, performance, and durability of timber bridges and their components in the state of Iowa.

Citation

Hosteng, Travis; Wacker, James; Phares, Brent. 2013. Condition Assessment of Iowa Timber Bridges Using Advanced Inspection Tools. In: Wacker, J.; Krohn, J., eds. Proceedings, 2nd International Conference of Timber Bridges. September 30 - October 2nd, 2013, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. (Electronic format without page numbers). Leesburg, VA: American Wood Council – Woodworks. (Peer-Reviewed) ID# 0424; 2013; 11 p.