Our timber bridges can be designed and built for any capacity and use.
Timber bridges are great for both vehicular and pedestrian use. The majority of the vehicular bridges we’ve built are designed to general highway standards for traffic including semi-trucks, which does tend to surprise people. In addition, all vehicular bridges can be designed specifically to meet the needs of heavier loads, the options are far and wide, just ask! As for the pedestrian bridges we’ve built everything from nature’s best boardwalks to luxury waterfront amenities to soaring free spans, each designed to the national standards for safety. Like our vehicular bridges, our pedestrian bridges can also be designed to accommodate greater crowds, enhanced loading for occasional use by vehicles, or the most common request is to allow for golf cart use. So, if you have a use in mind, we’ve got a capacity to match. These are some definitions, diagrams, and even charts to help you define the right bridge for your needs.
Can I drive a firetruck over a timber bridge?
Can a timber bridge be used for heavy weight equipment and large specialty vehicles?
Standard Vehicular Use
This category is based on regular usage of the bridge by vehicles up to a semi-tractor-trailer. The most common loading capacity for Standard Vehicular Use is the HS20 Truck Loading. They are typically utilized for private and public roadways. Ultimately, a loading capacity is determined by largest vehicle for anticipated regular use, for example an HS20 supports a typical semi-tractor-trailer weighing 72,000 lbs. To see more about HS Truck Loadings for maximum weights and weight distribution see the associated loading diagrams and charts.
Lightweight Vehicular Use
This category is based on regular usage of the bridge by vehicles up to a large pick-up truck or SUV. The most common loading capacities for Lightweight Vehicular Use bridges are the H5 & H10 Truck Loadings. They are typically utilized for driveways, trails, private access roads, maintenance paths, or similar. Ultimately, a loading capacity is determined by largest vehicle for anticipated regular use, for example an H10 would be used when Emergency Access for an Ambulance or similar is required. To see more about H Truck Loadings for maximum weights and weight distribution see the associated loading diagrams and charts.
Heavy Weight Equipment & Large Specialty Vehicle Use
This category is based on regular usage of the bridge by a unique vehicle with special loading considerations, that is atypical of all commonly defined truck loading capacities. A custom truck loading capacity can be designated to support the maximum gross vehicular weight and weight distribution of most oversized or unique truck loads. Pictured below are examples of vehicles that we used to custom design timber bridges.
