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Engineered Timber · For Architects
Timber pedestrian bridges combine structural engineering, exterior durability, and pedestrian safety. This template covers glulam beam construction with weather protection detailing for spans up to 20m.
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NBS-format clause, common errors checklist, and standards reference. Editable PDF format ready for your tender documents.
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Specification Checklist
Pedestrian: 5 kN/m² typical. Cycling: add 3 kN concentrated load. Equestrian: 5 kN concentrated.
GL28h or GL32h glulam standard. LVL acceptable for short spans with full weather protection.
Hardwood (Oak, Sapele) or Thermo-modified softwood. Anti-slip profile mandatory.
BS 6180 minimum 1100mm height. Infill panels per accessibility regulations.
Concrete pile or pad foundations. Bridge bearings to prevent rot at end grain.
Beam tops protected by metal flashing or top board. Drip edges to all horizontal surfaces.
Slope deck minimum 1% to ensure rapid water shedding.
Use Class 3 minimum for protected components, UC4 for ground contact elements.
Example Clause (NBS Format)
TIMBER PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Loading: - Live load: 5.0 kN/m² uniform pedestrian - Concentrated load: 5.0 kN over 0.5×0.5m at most adverse position - Maintenance vehicle: Per project requirement (typically 30 kN) Main beams: - Material: GL28h glulam to EN 14080 - Adhesive: Type I per EN 301 (Service Class 3) - Treatment: Use Class 3 preservative per EN 351-1 - Camber: L/200 pre-cambered for spans over 8m Deck: - Boards: Thermo-modified Ash, 38×140mm, anti-slip grooved profile - Fixings: Stainless steel A4 (or A2 minimum for inland sites), recessed - Spacing: 8mm gap between boards for drainage - Slope: 1% transverse slope for water shedding Handrails: - Height: 1100mm above deck per BS 6180 - Infill: Vertical balusters at 99mm centres (sphere test) - Material: Glulam GL24h or hardwood, treated UC3 Weather protection: - Beam tops: Stainless steel flashing covering full beam width with 25mm overhang - Drip edges: Routed into all horizontal exposed surfaces - Connections: Sealed with elastomeric caulking, designed to weep Foundations: - Type: Concrete pile or pad to engineer's design - Beam bearings: Galvanised steel saddles, 200mm clear of finished ground level - DPC: Bituminous DPC strip between bearing and beam Certification: CE marked per EN 14080. Sustainability: FSC or PEFC chain of custody.
Copy and paste this clause into your tender. Adjust dimensions, grades, and project-specific requirements.
Common Errors
No weather protection on beam tops
Correction: Exposed beam end grain rots within 5–10 years. Always specify metal flashing or top boards with drip details.
Beam bearings in ground contact
Correction: Always 200mm minimum clear of ground, on galvanised steel bearings. Direct ground contact rots beams from below.
Smooth deck boards
Correction: Smooth boards become dangerously slippery when wet. Specify grooved or reeded anti-slip profile.
No handrail compliance
Correction: BS 6180 requires 1100mm height with infill that prevents 100mm sphere passing. Design must comply for adopted bridges.
Reference Standards
Frequently Asked
A well-detailed glulam bridge with weather protection lasts 50–80 years. Without weather protection, lifespan drops to 15–25 years. Detail quality matters more than species.
For above-ground components in dry climates, yes (Class 3 durability). For wet climates, ground contact, or critical structural elements, specify treatment or use a more durable species.
Simple-span glulam beams: 8–20m typical. For longer spans (20–60m), use post-tensioned glulam, trussed glulam, or arch designs. Beyond 60m, consider hybrid timber-steel.
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