InTrans / Aug 14, 2018
Portable Glulam Timber Bridge Systems
Recent interest in portable bridge systems has increased due
to a heightened awareness for reducing environmental
impacts at road stream crossings. This paper discusses
general design criteria for portable timber bridges and three
case studies of portable longitudinal glued-laminated timber
(glulam) deck bridges. Two of the bridges use simple
longitudinal glulam deck panels. The third bridge uses two
longitudinal glulam deck panels constructed in a unique
double-tee cross section. AU three bridges have performed
well in service and appear to be cost effective when
compared with the cost of installing traditional permanent
stream crossings. In addition, they can be installed with
minimal environmental impacts.