Timber Bridge Span Types
Choosing the Right Span For Your Project
Mastering Timber Bridge Span Types
Whether you're envisioning a short span over a creek or a complex network of multiple long spans, York Bridge Concepts is your partner in turning visions into reality. Explore the possibilities of timber bridge span types that stand as both functional infrastructure and works of art.
Creative Scoping, Design, & Development
When assessing a crossing environment, it's crucial to understand the diverse array of spanning solutions available, each tailored to the specific conditions of the crossing at hand. In the realm of timber bridges, there are five primary categories of spanning solutions: Repetitive Span Types, Short Span Types, Free Span Types, Multiple Span Types, and Multiple Long Span Types—all of which will be elaborated on later.
Selecting the optimal spanning solution hinges on the unique conditions of the crossing, which, given the multitude of potential scenarios requiring a timber bridge, can be challenging to categorize. Nevertheless, we embrace challenges with enthusiasm. The key factors influencing spanning solutions in a crossing include environmental buffers, topographic site characteristics, limits of work or impacts, jurisdictional allowances, property easements, flood event conditions, and waterway extents.
Above all, the most valuable insight for evaluating a crossing environment lies in depicting the conditions necessitating a bridge. What does this entail? It means we've worked with everything from pictures, surveys, grading plans, GIS maps, hand sketches, and more. In essence, the more information provided, the better—but even if you only have a picture and a dream, we can work with that. Now that you have a grasp of the basics, let's delve into the defining details.
Timber Bridge Spanning Solutions
| Span Type | Benefits | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Repetitive Span | Cost Effective, Fluid for Curving and Rolling Bridges, Low Impact Construction | Culvert Alternatives, Limited Access Sites, Over Water Applications, Environmentally Sensitive Areas |
| Short Span | Cost Effective, Low Impact Construction | Culvert Alternatives, Limited Access Sites, Environmentally Sensitive Areas |
| Free Span | Cost Competitive, Fluid for Rolling Profiles, Customized Material, Low Impact Construction | Concrete Span Alternatives, Culvert Alternatives, Deep Crossing Environments, Environmentally Sensitive Areas |
| Multiple Span | Cost Competitive, Fluid for Rolling Profiles, Customized Material, Low Impact Construction | Concrete Span Alternatives, Culvert Alternatives, Deep Crossing Environments, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Limited Access Sites, Over Water Applications |
| Multiple Long Span | Cost Competitive, Fluid for Rolling Profiles, Customized Material, Low Impact Construction | Concrete Span Alternatives, Culvert Alternatives, Deep Crossing Environments, Environmentally Sensitive Areas |
Spanning Solutions with a Timber Bridge
How do you define the word span? Some define it as the bridge from end to end and others understand it as the clear distance between foundational supports. Neither is wrong; however, the overall length of a span type can have dramatic effects on design, construction, and budget.
This webinar outlines all the span types a timber bridge offers and the key conditions that help define project scope. It also focuses on one of our most popular solutions, presents a project case study, and discusses how these principles can assist your projects.
Repetitive Span
Unleash the power of repetition with our meticulously designed repetitive spans. Achieve structural integrity and visual continuity, creating a harmonious flow in your bridge design.
A repetitive span consists of a series of bridge spans built on equally spaced pile bent foundations. Typical spans measure approximately 10 feet for pedestrian bridges and 15 feet for vehicular bridges, although final dimensions are determined by engineering requirements and live loads. These bridges are typically designed using dimensional lumber or rough-sawn timber.
Repetitive Span Vehicular Bridge
Featured Project: Delight Quarry – Reisterstown, Maryland
Repetitive Span Pedestrian Bridge
Featured Project: Carrollwood Village Park – Tampa, Florida
Short Span
A short span is a single bridge span constructed with rough-sawn timber between two abutment foundations. The term "short" refers to the timber stringer structure, which typically limits bridge lengths to 26 feet or less. These solutions are often the most economical option for smaller crossings.
Short Span Vehicular Bridge
Featured Project: Meadowlands – Calabash, North Carolina
Short Span Pedestrian Bridge
Featured Project: Four Seasons Resort – Orlando, Florida
Free Span
A free span consists of a single bridge span built with glued laminated timber (glulam) between two abutment foundations. Due to the strength of glulam beams, spans can extend up to 100 feet and beyond in select applications.
Free spans are commonly selected for crossings greater than 26 feet where impacts within the crossing environment must be minimized or eliminated. They are also frequently chosen for their architectural appeal and structural performance.
Free Span Vehicular Bridge
Featured Project: Atlantic Beach Country Club – Jacksonville, Florida
Free Span Pedestrian Bridge
Featured Project: Waynesboro Trail – Waynesboro, Virginia
Multiple Span
A multiple span bridge combines one longer free span section—typically over the main channel—with shorter repetitive span approaches. This approach allows designers to optimize construction methods, environmental impacts, and project budgets.
Multiple span bridges may incorporate dimensional lumber, heavy timber, and glulam components to create the most effective crossing solution for each project.
Multiple Span Vehicular Bridge
Featured Project: Hampton Lake – Bluffton, South Carolina
Multiple Span Pedestrian Bridge
Featured Project: Westin Marina Village – Cape Coral, Florida
Multiple Long Span
A multiple long span bridge consists of a series of glulam spans supported by pile bent foundations and abutments. These bridges are commonly used for crossings that require multiple spans exceeding 26 feet and where repetitive span approaches are not desirable.
This solution is especially effective in crossing environments with greater heights and lengths, helping reduce the number of pile foundations while maintaining a cohesive profile and efficient structural design.
Multiple Long Span Vehicular Bridge
Featured Project: Inspired Living – Alpharetta, Georgia
Multiple Long Span Pedestrian Bridge
Featured Project: River Lights – Wilmington, North Carolina
Why Choose York Bridge Concepts for Your Next Project
Unparalleled Expertise
With decades of experience, our team brings extensive knowledge and craftsmanship to every project.
Customization
Your vision is our inspiration. We collaborate closely with you to develop a bridge solution tailored to your site's unique requirements.
Sustainable Solutions
We embrace environmentally responsible timber sourcing and construction practices that support long-term sustainability goals.
Durability
York bridges are engineered for longevity while preserving the natural beauty and warmth of timber construction.
Aesthetics and Functionality
Our bridges strike the perfect balance between architectural beauty and structural performance, delivering iconic crossings that stand the test of time.