InTrans / Aug 14, 2018
System stiffness for stress-laminated timber bridge decks
The Humphrey bridge was constructed during the summer
and fall of 1993 in Cattaraugus County, New York. The bridge is a single-span, stress-laminated T-beam structure that measures 14.1 m (48.6 ft) long and 10.2 m (33.5 ft) wide. Performance of the bridge was monitored for 35 months, beginning approximately 8 months after installation. Monitoring involved gathering and evaluating data relative to the moisture content of the wood components, force level of the stressing bars, and behavior of the bridge under static load conditions. In addition, comprehensive visual inspections were conducted to assess the overall condition of the structure. Based on field evaluations, the bridge is performing well, with only a few minor
serviceability issues.