Design and installation of composite fibre replacement parts into existing timber bridges

There are an estimated 20,000 timber road bridges in Australia. Many of these bridges are deteriorating with rot or borer attack reducing their capacity. When components of a timber bridge require remediation the traditional choices include; repair/replace the components with like for like timber, replace the components with concrete or steel components, or replace the entire bridge. A further choice is the use of fibre composite replacement parts. This paper presents a case study where two timber girders were replaced with composite fibre girders. The girders are shown to have similar stiffness as the existing timber girders. The fibre composite girders were however one third of the weight of the timber girders that they were replacing. The use of fibre composite replacement parts offers the potential of cost-effective maintenance of timber bridges while also providing reduced maintenance burden into the future.

• Authors:
  • Springolo, M
  • Avdjiev, H G
• Conference:
  • Australian Small Bridges Conference, 5th, 2012, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2012-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: A comparison of bore sounding, global stiffness and through compression wave non-destructive testing of Australian hardwood timber bridges

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge management systems; Bridges; Design; Fibers; Installation; Wooden bridges
• ATRI Terms: Bridge maintenance; Composite; Design; Fibre; Installation; Replacement; Timber bridge
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01472940
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 19 2013 10:19AM