Innovation with timber products and a number of emerging trends means that timber can deliver equivalent outcomes as steel and concrete for bridge projects, particularly as all levels of government and private developers look to reduce emissions in capital works.
Processing and manufacturing innovations are increasing the availability of new engineered wood products that enable a timber substitute or alternative to many traditional timber products including bridge components. Timber preservation treatments that boost durability performance to suit intended product exposure are well established and detailed within the Australian Standards framework. In addition, the versatility of timber systems, in terms of their ease of replacement, can also extend service life outcomes to meet both short and long-term design needs. This can be a cost-effective solution with low capital and replacement costs over the typical life cycle of a bridge.
This Timber Queensland webinar assembles a panel of experts who will provide insights into how modern timber bridge construction can achieve a cost-effective 100-year design life through ease of replacement of modular components, durability treatments and the use of a horizontal connection systems that prevent moisture entrapment in the structural members.