What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
(OP)
I have a wooden bridge that my client is going to be repairing. The superstructure is glu-lam beams (6' o.c.) with a wood deck that consists of 2x4's laid on the narrow edge over the entire length of the bridge. The deck is deteriorting and the client wants to replace decking in kind to retain the aesthetics of the existing structure.
Is there a specific type of wood or treatment for new wood would work well in this application? The deck leaks like a sieve and the the wood will need to be able to withstand being continually soaked every time it rains.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jim
Is there a specific type of wood or treatment for new wood would work well in this application? The deck leaks like a sieve and the the wood will need to be able to withstand being continually soaked every time it rains.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jim





RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
What are the the glulam beams made of? Are they in good condition? That might give you a clue as to what to use for the decking.
RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
I am in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
We use a lot of southern pine, but we believe that the original wood (at least the beams)was hardwood brought in from the western US. We have no existing plans or information about the bridge other than what we have been able to observe through measurements and non-destructive testing.
The bridge is about 30 years old from what the owner can tell us. The glu-lams are in generally good condition. There appears to be some minor defects, the water leaking through the deck is probably not doing the beams any good but they seem to be holding up well.
We are also trying to determine how cost effective the deck repair is at this point in the life cycle of the bridge. Is a deck repair only delaying full bridge replacement by a few years or could we get another 15 to 20 years out of the structure? In your experience what would the design life be for a bridge of this type? Thanks.
RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
One more thought. With decks like you describe, it is desirable to provide some clamping force by installing rods through the members. Helps with load sharing and decreases water penetration.
RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs
I appreciate your help. I am making the recommendation to replace the deck due to its condition and to monitor the structure with a regular inspection program. I like the idea of clamping the bridge deck members and will make this recommendation as well.
Jim
RE: What kind of wood should I specify for deck repairs