A Timber Bridge Initiative for Virginia: Special Report

About the report:

This report presents a plan for a timber bridge initiative in Virginia. It addresses (1) the immediate and future potential for using timber in the replacement of many of Virginia's bridges, (2) the available timber resources in Southside Virginia, (3) the wood species best suited for use in Phase I of the initiative, (4) factors affecting the economy with respect to timber bridges, and (5) the need for a supporting structural timber manufacturing industry in Virginia. For those who will be involved in the implementation of the plan, the report addresses (1) the national timber bridge initiative, (2) funding for a demonstration bridge, (3) particular modern concepts regarding timber bridges, and (4) other technical issues. In addition, sources of information concerning timber bridges and the locations of structural timber manufacturers are provided. Potentially, timber construction could be adapted to 5,612 bridges in Virginia. Of these, 521 need immediate repair or replacement. Thus, there is a potential for both immediate and long-term use of structural timber products on many of Virginia's bridges. The cost of these products are estimated to be $7.7 and $74.8 million, respectively, in 1991 dollars.

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