Evaluation of Alternative Materials for Timber Bridge Deck Plank Replacement

This project will focus on the evaluation of alternative materials for timber bridge deck planks to address the increasing costs, extended lead times, and maintenance challenges associated with the timber traditionally used by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The study will include a literature and product review, experimental material and structural testing and a cost and feasibility analysis of alternative materials such as alternative timber species to what VDOT currently specifies, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, plastics, and isophthalic polyesters. Material testing will include mechanical, asphalt bonding, surface friction, and durability testing, while structural testing will include beam tests and connection tests on the alternative materials. The cost and feasibility analysis will consider aspects such as the material cost, expected lead times, ease of fabrication and installation, durability, and general ease of implementation. The projected outcome of this study will be recommended alternative materials for use in timber plank replacements. Implementation strategies will also be provided for incorporating these alternative materials into VDOT’s bridge maintenance practices.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $675,586.00
• Contract Numbers:

  128200

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903
• Managing Organizations:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903
• Project Managers:

  Kassner, Bernie

• Performing Organizations:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903
• Principal Investigators:

  Provines, Jason

  Kassner, Bernie

  Ozbulut, Osman

• Start Date: 20250811
• Expected Completion Date: 20280131
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Literature reviews; Materials; Test procedures; Wooden bridges
• Geographic Terms: Virginia
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01962490
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 128200
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 5 2025 10:04AM