Glulam Stringers

Engineered timber has transformed modern bridge design, providing structural efficiency, architectural flexibility, and long-term durability. Among the most important structural components in many custom timber bridges are glulam stringers—engineered beams that serve as the primary load-carrying members supporting the bridge deck.

At York Bridge Concepts, glulam stringers are incorporated into a wide variety of pedestrian bridges, vehicular bridges, boardwalks, and specialty bridge structures. Through our proprietary Decero™ Design Studio and integrated Design-Engineer-Build™ process, every bridge is engineered around the project’s unique span requirements, loading conditions, environmental factors, and architectural vision. Since 1985, York Bridge Concepts has completed more than 9,000 custom bridge projects throughout North America, many utilizing engineered glulam components to achieve exceptional structural performance and timeless architectural appeal.

What Are Glulam Stringers?

Glulam stringers are engineered glued laminated timber (glulam) beams that run longitudinally beneath a bridge deck, supporting the deck and transferring loads to the bridge’s abutments or intermediate supports.

Unlike conventional sawn lumber, glulam members are manufactured by bonding multiple layers of dimension lumber with structural adhesives under controlled conditions. This manufacturing process produces large structural members with consistent strength, dimensional stability, and the ability to span greater distances than comparable solid-sawn timber. Modern glulam bridge systems are commonly used in both pedestrian and highway bridge applications because of their strength, versatility, and efficient structural performance.

Benefits of Glulam Stringers

Engineered glulam stringers offer numerous advantages for custom bridge construction.

Key benefits include:

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Longer clear-span capability
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Consistent manufacturing quality
• Reduced material variability
• Architectural versatility
• Renewable structural material
• Efficient structural performance

Because glulam members are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and configurations, they provide engineers with exceptional flexibility when designing custom bridge superstructures.

Designed Through the Decero™ Design Studio

Every York Bridge Concepts bridge begins with the Decero™ Design Studio, where engineers evaluate the project’s structural requirements before selecting the most appropriate bridge system.

Our design process considers:

• Span length
• Structural loading
• Site topography
• Hydrology
• Geotechnical conditions
• Environmental exposure
• Architectural goals
• Material selection
• Long-term maintenance planning

Rather than relying on standardized bridge configurations, every glulam stringer bridge is engineered specifically for its intended application.

Applications for Glulam Stringer Bridges

Glulam stringers are incorporated into a wide range of bridge types across multiple industries.

Common applications include:

• Pedestrian bridges
• Vehicular bridges
• Free-span bridges
• Trail bridges
• Elevated boardwalks
• Golf course bridges
• Community entrance bridges
• University campus bridges
• Municipal park bridges
• Waterfront crossings
• Resort infrastructure
• Commercial developments

Whether supporting a pedestrian crossing or a vehicular bridge engineered for highway loading, glulam stringers provide an efficient and dependable structural solution.

Engineered for Modern Load Requirements

York Bridge Concepts designs glulam stringer bridge systems to accommodate project-specific loading criteria.

Available design capacities include:

• Pedestrian loading
• Bicycle traffic
• Golf cart traffic
• Maintenance vehicles
• 5-Ton GVW
• H-Series loading
• HS20-44 loading
• HL-93 loading
• Custom engineering requirements

Each bridge is engineered according to the project’s structural demands and applicable design criteria.

Premium Materials for Long-Term Performance

Every York Bridge Concepts bridge is engineered using premium materials selected for structural performance, durability, and aesthetics.

Available material options include:

• Douglas Fir glulam
• Southern Yellow Pine glulam
• Southern Yellow Pine structural framing
• Premium hardwood decking
• Composite decking
• Decorative railing systems
• Protective coating systems
• Stainless steel hardware
• Architectural lighting

Material selection is based on span requirements, environmental exposure, maintenance objectives, and the owner’s architectural vision.

Sustainable Structural Engineering

Glulam is manufactured from renewable wood resources and efficiently utilizes smaller dimensional lumber to create large structural members. Combined with York Bridge Concepts’ environmentally responsible construction methods, engineered timber helps support sustainable infrastructure objectives. When practical, our proprietary Top-Down (Deck-Level) Construction™ methodology further reduces site disturbance by allowing construction to progress from the completed bridge deck rather than requiring heavy equipment to traverse sensitive landscapes.

Featured Glulam Stringer Projects

York Bridge Concepts has incorporated glulam stringers into numerous projects throughout North America.

Representative examples include:

• Ringling College Timber Boardwalk & Free-Span Bridge (Florida) — A campus boardwalk and bridge system utilizing engineered glulam components to provide long-term structural performance while complementing the surrounding landscape.
• Lake Arrowhead Vehicular Bridge (Georgia) — A free-span vehicular bridge engineered with glulam structural members to create a signature community entrance.
• Sienna Village Covered Timber Boardwalk (Florida) — A covered pedestrian boardwalk utilizing engineered timber construction for durability and architectural appeal.
• Southside Park Vehicular & Pedestrian Bridges (Ohio) — A series of custom bridges demonstrating the versatility of engineered glulam systems across multiple bridge types.
• Minuteman High School Vehicular & Pedestrian Bridges (Massachusetts) — Custom campus bridges incorporating engineered timber elements to complement the surrounding educational environment.

These projects demonstrate how glulam stringers support a broad range of bridge applications while combining structural efficiency with architectural excellence.

Why Choose York Bridge Concepts?

For more than 40 years, York Bridge Concepts has specialized exclusively in custom timber bridge engineering and construction. Through our integrated Design-Engineer-Build™ process, we manage every phase of a project—from concept development and engineering through manufacturing and on-site construction.

With more than 9,000 custom bridges completed throughout North America, our experience with engineered glulam systems enables us to create bridges that balance structural performance, environmental responsibility, and architectural distinction. Whether your project requires a pedestrian bridge, vehicular crossing, boardwalk, or long-span structure, York Bridge Concepts delivers custom glulam stringer bridge solutions designed to perform for generations.