Case studies on the history and use of timber bridges in New Zealand

Tripti Singh; Dave Page

doi:10.1080/17480272.2017.1411393

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Case studies on the history and use of timber bridges in New Zealand

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Case studies on the history and use of timber bridges in New Zealand

Tripti Singh and Dave Page

Wood Material Science and Engineering, Vol.13(3), pp.159-166

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17480272.2017.1411393

Abstract

bridges

glue-laminated timber

engineered wood products

radiata pine

treated wood

Wooden bridges have been an important part of road and rail networks in New Zealand. While wooden structures have largely been replaced by concrete and steel on major arteries, they still have a place where lightweight, easily assembled structures are needed. These timber bridges are also an alternative to other materials in roads which carry relatively low traffic loads. In the last 10 years, there has been a resurgence in the installation of engineer-designed wooden structures. Contrary to the traditional method of construction, these prefabricated components are manufactured in a factory and brought to the job site where they can be assembled quickly with a minimum of cutting and drilling. In this document, we summarise the history and use of timber bridges in New Zealand. Most of the older bridges were constructed using Australian hardwood and native durable New Zealand timber. In the 1950s-1960s, preservative-treated timber particularly glue-laminated bridges were built. Currently, few bridges are built entirely from wood. However, in many smaller bridges, the superstructure and decking are built using treated wood. Using some specific case studies based on our historical service test data, we looked at the durability and maintenance requirements of wooden bridges in New Zealand.

Details

Title: Case studies on the history and use of timber bridges in New Zealand
Authors: Tripti Singh (Corresponding Author) - Scion
Dave Page (Author) - Scion
Publication details: Wood Material Science and Engineering, Vol.13(3), pp.159-166
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
DOI: 10.1080/17480272.2017.1411393
ISSN: 1748-0280
Organisation Unit: National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99979640002621
Output Type: Journal article