Load Distribution in Laminated Timber Decks

Abstract

A load‐distribution analysis of transverse laminated timber decks of highway bridges is discussed. The decks may be nailed, glued, or prestressed and may be supported on closely or widely spaced girders. Using data from field testing, it is demonstrated that the load‐distribution characteristics of nailed laminated decks deteriorate with time and that the current AASHTO and Ontario methods for analyzing these decks are valid. It is also shown that the current AASHTO methods for analyzing glued laminated decks need revision. New simplified methods are presented to analyze glued or prestressed decks on widely spaced girders, and nailed decks on closely spaced girders.