Evaluation of the Performance of a Press-Lam Timber Bridge: Interim Report, No. 1, Bridge Installation and Load Test

Report No: 78-R2

Published in 1977

About the report:

The report describes the installation and load test of the world's first press-lam timber bridge superstructure. A five-man crew replaced the substandard steel stringer-timber deck superstructure on Rte. 610 over Little Stoney Creek in Shenandoah County with the press-lam superstructure in about four work days, and the road was closed for only eight hours. Results of the load tests conducted two weeks after the 17.5 ft.(5.33 m) span, 2-lane bridge was constructed suggest that the stringer live load distribution specified by AASHTO is conservative. The Research Council will inspect and load test the bridge periodically over a five-year period.

Documents

78-R2

_{Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.}

Authors

Michael M. Sprinkel, P.E.

Last updated: January 27, 2024