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Synthesis of wood treatment alternatives for timber railroad structures.

File Language:
English


Details

  • Creators:
  • Corporate Creators:
    New Hampshire. Dept. of Transportation
  • Corporate Contributors:
    United States. Federal Highway Administration
  • Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Publication/ Report Number:
    FHWA-NH-RD-15680I
  • Resource Type:
    Tech Report
  • Geographical Coverage:
    New Hampshire
  • Corporate Publisher:
    New Hampshire. Dept. of Transportation
  • Abstract:
    A wealth of information exists on various wood preservatives, treatment techniques, curing practices, and other engineered

    controls, along with alternative materials for replacement. This study was initiated to review and synthesize available

    information so that future bridge timber work could be completed in a manner that would optimize performance while

    eliminating damage to the environment. This project was triggered by dripping creosote from the Frankenstein Trestle within

    an environmentally sensitive area.

    Of the seven products evaluated, two are recommended for railroad bridge timbers: Copper Naphthenate and Creosote.

    Copper Naphthenate is commonly used in other jurisdictions, especially over sensitive aquatic environments and where

    preservative drippage is a concern. The product has low toxicity, is not listed as a restricted-use pesticide (RUP) by the U.S.

    EPA, and has shown equal or superior performance compared to creosote or pentachlorophenol. State DOTs including Iowa

    and Minnesota specify Copper Naphthenate for replacement and renovation of wooden bridges. Its only disadvantage is a

    limited supply of product currently. Creosote-treated wood has proven its effectiveness and longevity. To minimize potential

    issues, best management practices (BMPs) are required. These include specification of the correct retention rate for the

    wood species and type of use, specification of the empty-cell process, and the use of expansion baths for post-treatment.

    Only straight creosote or a 75/25 creosote/petroleum solution should be specified.

    As a result of this study, the Department’s specifications for railroad bridge timbers have been modified to reflect improved

    standards for preservatives, including treatment techniques and post-treatment procedures. In order to optimize

    performance while mitigating environmental concerns, a series of best management practices (BMPs) covering the design,

    purchase, delivery, handling, installation, and inspection of timbers are also being incorporated into future projects. It is

    expected that these recommendations will be incorporated into wooden highway structures as well.

  • Format:
    PDF
  • Funding:
    15680I, X-A000( )
  • Collection(s):
  • Main Document Checksum:
    urn:sha256:80d425a074bf6356c536e46a37d31c6a25a94be667f02f8d46d2ce6b4d034fda
  • Download URL:
  • File Type:
    Filetype[PDF - 917.08 KB ]
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