Citation

Hurlbut BF. Transp. Res. Rec. 1977; 647: 6-10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The properties of wood as a structural material in highway bridges are discussed. These properties give a timber bridge a very different load-carrying capability than that of a steel or a concrete bridge. Wood has the advantage of being able to sustain overloads for short time periods but is subject to decay and deterioration. By recognizing these characteristics, the engineer can determine the safe loading for the structure and can recommend procedures for prolonging its life. Guidelines are offered to assist the engineer in his work, and suggestions for presenting the information to the owner and recording it are made.