Timber in Bridge Structures

Abstract

The purpose of this final year project was to study the properties of timber as a structural material and the suitability of wood in load bearing members for bridge structures.

For a case study, an existing timber bridge was selected. Due to its condition the bridge should be replaced. The design of a new bridge with steel beams holding a glulam deck was made. During the case study the replacement of steel beams by glulam timber ones was discussed. Some calculations were made in order to estimate the amount of wood needed to replace steel beams and keep the same bearing capacity.

Advantages and disadvantages of timber used in load bearing structures of bridges were discussed in this thesis. This final year project shows the opportunities and attracts more interest to structures made of timber. This Bachelor’s thesis shows that wood can compete in some cases with more common materials used for bridge structures. For cost estimation further study should be conducted.