PRESTRESSED WOOD BRIDGES

Transverse prestressing of wood was conceived in 1976 as a method for rehabilitating nailed laminated wood decks. Since then, the concept has become the subject of a major development program, aimed at revitalizing wood as a viable design alternative in bridge construction. This paper highlights the development of this type of construction from its original application to existing bridges, to the subsequent research and development leading to its inclusion in the Ontario Highway Bridge Design Code. Various field applications are discussed, including the recent design and construction of the first prototype prestressed wood bridge. Transverse prestressing increases load distribution and results in a very efficient load sharing system. It promotes the use of lower grade materials, utilizes renewable resources and requires far less energy than other construction materials. (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Ontario Ministry of Transportation & Communic, Can

  1201 Wilson Avenue
  Downsview, Ontario M3M 1J8,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • Taylor, R J
• Publication Date: 1983-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridges; Construction; Design; Energy conservation; Load transfer; Prestressing; Renewable energy sources; Wood; Wooden bridges
• Uncontrolled Terms: Renewable resources; Transverse
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• Old TRIS Terms: Prestressed wood
• ITRD Terms: 3455: Bridge; 8018: Canada; 3655: Construction; 9011: Design (overall design); 4777: Prestressing; 9081: Transverse; 4506: Wood (mater)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Energy; Environment; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379862
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 29 1984 12:00AM