Bridging the gap

Online Webinar - FREE REGISTRATION

ROADS | RAIL | PEDESTRIAN

Bridging the gap: building and maintaining resilient & durable timber bridges for the future

Wednesday 14 March 2024  11.00 am – 12.30pm (AEST)

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. 

Assess the carbon emission benefits of using timber over steel and concrete

Learn the versatility of engineered wood products systems for bridges and their modular and prefabricated advantages

Evaluate cost savings by way of renewal or restoration rather than complete asset replacement

Understand how engineered timber products are treated to ensurethe longevity and durability of timber bridges.

CPD Points available

EVENT PROGRAM

11.00 am

Welcome and introduction

Clarissa Brandt, Strategic Relations &   Communications, Timber Queensland

Timber Bridge New Builds including Prefabrication.

See examples of new timber bridge builds   demonstrating the benefits which accrue.

Stephen Richards, Contracts and Client Relations   Manager, Wood Research and Development

Timber bridges: Using timber bridge inspection data for   numerical assessments 

The presentation will be about how TMR uses it’s   data collected from programmed Level 2 inspections to feed into a   semi-automated process which allows numerical assessments to be undertaken.

Bret Kershaw, Principal Engineer, Structures Management Services, Operational Service Delivery, RoadTek  Queensland Department of Transport & Main Roads

Timber Bridges: Durability, design and details for extended   service life

There is resurgence of interest in utilising   timber for bridge construction. Engineered timber, exemplified by laminated   timber and glued laminated timber (glulam), has gained prominence for its   strength, durability, and environmental sustainability, including its ability   to contribute to carbon capture. The susceptibility of all materials to   deterioration from the elements underscores the importance of proper initial   design or regular maintenance throughout their lifespan.

Professor Tripti Singh, Director, The   National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, University of Sunshine Coast

Short   Q&A and conclusion