Timber truss bridges

Timber truss bridges are optimally suitable for cuttings

Timber truss bridges are deck bridges, the individual span width of which is reduced by oblique supports. The supporting structure is situated under a water-tight road surface and is therefore protected against weathering. This system is ideal for cuttings such as roads or farm tracks.

Attributes of timber truss bridges:

  • Variation of the deck bridge with additional supports
  • Lower construction height than a straightforward deck bridge due to the reduced span widths
  • Horizontal bracing with lattice or configuration of the roadway support as block beam
  • The main supporting structure is protected by the sealed, water tight road surface
  • Design of the road surface ideally as a mastic asphalt surface

Protected main supporting structure

Structural timber protection is the key to the longevity of a timber bridge. Structural timber protection intends for all structural timber components to be completely protected. In this respect, the following steps are taken into consideration: Installation of technically dried timber with a timber humidity of 12% in order to prevent insect infestation, protection against weathering, ingress of moisture, UV rays due to the installation of projections and skirting in the design as well as good air circulation to encourage drying out. Constructions designed in this way satisfy the requirements of protected timber bridges pursuant to DIN EN 1995-2 NA. This means that loss events are prevented and maintenance costs are minimised, and the use of timber preserving chemicals can be reduced and/or avoided. Structures protected according to DIN EN 1995-2 have a service life of 60 - 80 years*.

* Quelle: Ablösungsbeträge-Berechnungsverordnung - ABBV, BMVBS, Stand 2010 bzw. Studie der DGfH 2006

Advantages of the timber truss bridge:

  • optimum cross-section use for span widths of up to 35.0 m.
  • Optimum adaptation to the terrain geometry
  • Streamlined construction height
  • Simple supports
  • side railing connection possible

References:

Here is a selection of timber truss bridges.