Glued Laminated Timber for Bridge Construction

by Thomas G. Williamson, American Inst of Timber Construction, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Serviceability and Durability of Construction Materials

Abstract:

Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) was first introduced into the U.S. as a construction material in 1934. With the development of fully waterproof adhesives in the 1940's, the use of glulam in structures exposed to the elements became a reality and led to the use of glulam in bridge construction. Thus, some of the pioneer glulam highway bridges built in the 1940's and still in service today are approaching a 50 year life span indicating the potential longevity for this type of construction. The versatility of glulam with respect to size, shape and load carrying capabilities combined with advancements in glulam technology and improvements in pressure preservative treatments make glulam an excellent alternative material for bridge construction.

Subject Headings: Laminated materials | Infrastructure construction | Wood bridges | Wood preservatives | Bridge decks | Bridge design | Wood construction

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