Decero™ Design Process

Every remarkable bridge begins with an idea. At York Bridge Concepts, that idea evolves through the Decero™ Design Process—a proprietary approach that combines creativity, engineering, sustainability, and craftsmanship to create custom timber bridges that are as functional as they are inspiring.

Unlike traditional bridge design methods that often rely on standardized plans, the Decero™ philosophy begins with a blank canvas. The name Decero means “from zero” or “from scratch,” reflecting our commitment to designing every bridge specifically for its environment, purpose, and owner. Through our integrated Design-Engineer-Build™ process, each project is carefully developed from the earliest concept through engineering, manufacturing, and construction to ensure every detail contributes to long-term performance and architectural excellence.

What Is the Decero™ Design Process?

The Decero™ Design Process is York Bridge Concepts’ proprietary methodology for creating fully customized bridge solutions. Rather than modifying an existing bridge design, our team begins by understanding the site’s unique characteristics, environmental conditions, and the client’s vision.

Every project is developed through a collaborative process involving:

• Owners
• Developers
• Architects
• Landscape architects
• Civil engineers
• Municipal agencies
• Park planners
• Construction professionals

This collaborative approach allows every bridge to become an integrated part of the surrounding environment rather than simply a crossing between two points.

Beginning with the Site

Successful bridge design starts with understanding the land.

Before engineering begins, the York Bridge Concepts team evaluates:

• Site topography
• Hydrology
• Soil conditions
• Existing vegetation
• Environmental constraints
• Regulatory requirements
• Accessibility goals
• Community character
• Future development plans
• Long-term maintenance objectives

These factors establish the foundation for a bridge that is both structurally efficient and visually harmonious.

Concept Development

During the conceptual phase, our designers transform project goals into an architectural vision that reflects the character of the site.

Concept development may include:

• Preliminary layouts
• Bridge alignment studies
• Span configuration options
• Architectural themes
• Material recommendations
• Railing concepts
• Color palettes
• Landscape integration
• Community branding opportunities

Rather than forcing the project into a predetermined system, every concept is developed specifically for the owner’s objectives and the surrounding environment.

Engineering with Purpose

Once the conceptual design is established, York Bridge Concepts’ engineering team develops a complete structural solution tailored to the project’s specific requirements.

Engineering considerations include:

• Structural loading
• Span configuration
• Foundation design
• Hydraulic performance
• Geotechnical conditions
• Material selection
• Environmental exposure
• Applicable design standards
• Long-term durability

Depending on the application, bridges may be engineered for pedestrian loading, golf carts, maintenance vehicles, H-Series loading, HS20-44, HL-93, or other project-specific criteria.

Material Selection

Every material selected during the Decero™ Design Process contributes to the bridge’s structural performance, durability, and architectural appearance.

Available options include:

• Southern Yellow Pine
• Douglas Fir glulam
• Premium hardwood decking
• Composite decking
• Decorative railing systems
• Architectural lighting
• Protective timber coating systems
• Custom stain finishes

Material selection is based on environmental conditions, anticipated traffic, maintenance expectations, and the owner’s design vision.

Sustainability Built Into Every Step

Environmental stewardship is integrated throughout the Decero™ Design Process.

York Bridge Concepts emphasizes:

• Responsibly sourced timber
• Low-impact construction methods
• Long-lasting structural systems
• Efficient material utilization
• Preservation of natural landscapes
• Reduced site disturbance

Whenever practical, our proprietary Top-Down (Deck-Level) Construction™ methodology allows construction to progress from the completed bridge deck rather than requiring heavy equipment to travel through environmentally sensitive areas.

This approach helps:

• Protect wetlands and waterways
• Preserve mature vegetation
• Reduce soil compaction
• Minimize erosion and sedimentation
• Maintain natural hydrology

By combining sustainable design with environmentally responsible construction practices, the Decero™ process creates infrastructure that benefits both communities and the natural environment.

From Design to Construction

The Decero™ Design Process extends well beyond engineering.

Through York Bridge Concepts’ integrated Design-Engineer-Build™ approach, our team manages:

• Project consultation
• Site evaluation
• Concept development
• Structural engineering
• Shop drawings
• Material procurement
• In-house manufacturing
• On-site construction
• Final project completion

By maintaining continuity throughout every phase, we improve communication, simplify coordination, and help ensure the finished bridge reflects the original design intent.

Designed for Every Type of Bridge

The Decero™ Design Process is applied across virtually every York Bridge Concepts project, including:

• Pedestrian bridges
• Vehicular bridges
• Boardwalks
• Covered bridges
• Free-span bridges
• Repetitive-span bridges
• Multiple-span bridges
• Trail bridges
• Golf course bridges
• Waterfront structures
• Campus infrastructure
• Community entrance bridges

Regardless of project size or complexity, every bridge receives the same site-specific attention and engineering expertise.

Creating Bridges That Become Landmarks

York Bridge Concepts believes a bridge should do more than connect two places—it should strengthen the identity of the community it serves.

Through the Decero™ Design Process, bridges become:

• Community landmarks
• Signature entrances
• Gathering places
• Architectural focal points
• Recreational destinations
• Lasting investments

Each project reflects a balance of engineering precision, architectural creativity, environmental stewardship, and master craftsmanship.

Why Choose York Bridge Concepts?

For more than 40 years, York Bridge Concepts has specialized exclusively in custom timber bridge engineering and construction. With more than 9,000 custom bridges completed throughout North America, our experience has refined every aspect of the Decero™ Design Process.

Our integrated Design-Engineer-Build™ approach provides owners with a single, experienced partner from concept through construction, creating bridges that are engineered to perform, designed to inspire, and built to endure for generations.