InTrans / Aug 14, 2018
T-Section Glulam Timber Bridge Modules: Modeling and Performance
This paper describes the design, modeling, and testing of two portable timber bridges, each consisting of two noninterconnected longitudinal glued-laminated timber (glulam) deck panels 1.8 m (6 ft) wide. One bridge is 12.2 m (40 ft) long while the other bridge is 10.7 m (35 ft) long. The deck panels are fabricated in a unique double-tee cross section. The bridges exhibited linear elastic behavior in static bending tests. When actual lumber property data were used in transformed section and finite element models, the models overpredicted the stiffness of the bridge panels. The transformed section results provided the best agreement with test results. The bridges were cost effective and although some damaged occurred to the bridge modules during their removal, they have functioned well overall.