Field performance of timber bridges. 8, Lynches Woods Park stress-laminated deck bridge

Abstract

The Lynches Woods Park bridge was constructed during the summer of 1990 in Newberry, South Carolina. It is a single-span, single-lane, stress-laminated deck superstructure that measures approximately 30 ft long, 16 ft wide, and 14 in. deep. The bridge is unique in that is one of the first known stress-laminated deck bridges to be constructed of Southern Pine lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate. The performance of the bridge was continuously monitored for approximately 3 years, beginning 10 months after installation. Performance monitoring involved gathering and analyzing data relative to the wood moisture content, force level in the stressing bars, and behavior under static-load conditions. In addition, comprehensive visual inspections were conducted to assess the overall structure condition. Based on the field evaluations, the bridge is performing well with no structural or serviceability deficiencies.

Keywords

Bridges, Structural timbers, Laminated wood, Stress analysis, Stress lamination

Citation

Wacker, J. P.; Ritter, M. A.; Conger, D. Field performance of timber bridges. 8, Lynches Woods Park stress-laminated deck bridge. (Research paper FPL ; RP-551):17 p. : ill., maps ; 28 cm.