Timber Deck Panels

Topics: Decks

Timber bridges are primarily used on low-volume roadways, but the same design idea can be applied to larger-volume roads as well. Timber deck panels can be applied to superstructures besides timber. Standard details are available for attaching transverse timber panels to longitudinal stringers. These bridges often incorporate crash-tested railings attached directly to the timber deck panels. Generally, an asphalt wear surface is applied to protect the panels.

Timber deck panels are used as an alternative to cast-in-place concrete decks. They provide a driving surface for traffic.

These deck panels have been connected to one another using steel dowels placed in the depth of the panels. Currently, load transfer beams are placed mid-bay between the stringers to transfer the shear more effectively. To connect the deck panels to the steel framing, bolts and brackets are used. It should be remembered that this does not cause composite action.

Timber decks are generally used for low-volume roads. When attached to beams, composite action does not take place.

For more information, please see Steel Stringers with a Transverse Glulam Deck prepared by the USDA FS Forest Products Lab for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

* Photo Credit: NY DOT

What is a bridge deck?

The decking system of a bridge can be defined as the surface upon which the traversing traffic drives. This is the surface which is used as a continuation of the driving surface on either side of the bridge.

Commonly, cast-in-place concrete is used as the method of placing a deck on a short span bridge, but due to the time of preparing formwork, it can be a very time-consuming process.

Prefabricated deck systems are some of the most commonly used applications of modular bridge technology.

Learn more about bridge decks→