7

Part 4

Construction and Maintenance of

Timber Structures

— 2017 —

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section/Article Description Page

4.1 Handling of Material (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-2 1

4.2 Storage of Material (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-2

4.3 Workmanship for Construction and Maintenance of Pile and Framed Trestles (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-3

4.4 Framing of Timber (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-3

3
4.5 Substructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-4
4.5.1 Pile Posting, or Replacing Defective Portions of Piles (2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-4
4.5.2 Driving Timber Piles (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-5

4.6 Superstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-13

4.6.1 Open Deck Bridges (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-13
4.6.2 Ballast Deck Bridges (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-13
4.6.3 Stringers (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-14
4.6.4 Walkways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-16
4.6.5 Backwalls & Wingwalls (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-16

4.7 Support, Repair, Preserve, or Replace Damaged Portions of the Structure (2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-16
4.7.1 Control Moisture (2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19
4.7.2 Field Application of Preservative Chemicals (2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19

4.8 Methods of Fireprotecting Timber Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19

4.8.1 Methods of Fireprotection (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19
4.8.2 Fire Alarm Systems (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19
4.8.3 Housekeeping (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-19
4.8.4 Fire Barriers (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-20

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association 7-4-1

Timber Structures

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Description Page

7-4-1 Schematic Diagram of Pile Posting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-5

7-4-2 Sample Pile Record Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-12
7-4-3 Staggered Chord Layout Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-15
7-4-4 Pile Restoration Using Cast in Place Reinforced Concrete Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-17
7-4-5 Clamping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-18
7-4-6 Stitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-18
7-4-7 Earth Fill Break in a Long Trestle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-20
7-4-8 Reinforced Concrete Piers and Reinforced Concrete Bents as Fire Stops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4-21

SECTION 4.1 HANDLING OF MATERIAL (2016)

a. All material should be handled to avoid structural damage or unnecessary disfiguring.

b. Timber shall be preferably handled with web slings. Sharp-pointed bars, peavies, hooks, tongs or similar tools shall not
be used, except as approved by the Engineer.

c. Timber that has been treated with preservatives should be handled with extreme care in unloading and assembling to
avoid damage to the timber which would expose untreated wood.

d. Specialty material, such as engineered wood products, might require special handling procedures due to its unique
properties.

SECTION 4.2 STORAGE OF MATERIAL (2017)

a. Materials should be stored at the site in a neat manner at proper clearance to operated tracks.

b. Care should be exercised to prevent fires in material held in storage. The ground underneath and in the vicinity of
piling and timber should be scalped and cleared of all weeds, rubbish and combustible material.

c. Treated timber should be close-stacked off the ground in a manner that will prevent long timbers or preframed material
from sagging or becoming crooked.

d. Untreated timber should be open-stacked at least 1 foot above the ground and above possible high water; it should be
piled in a manner to shed water and to prevent warping. When required, it shall be protected from the weather by
suitable covering.

e. Piling should be stacked in a manner to prevent bending.

f. Uncoated hardware received at the job site should be protected from corrosion by storing under cover.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-2 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

SECTION 4.3 WORKMANSHIP FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PILE

AND FRAMED TRESTLES1 (2017)

This section covers workmanship for the construction and maintenance of pile and framed trestles that carry railway traffic.

a. Work performed under this recommended practice should be built complete, in a workmanlike manner, and in strict
accordance with the plans and the intent of this recommended practice.

b. It is presumed that the design of structures to which this recommended practice attaches is in accordance with
prevailing practice, and, more specifically, in general accordance with, Part 2, Design of Wood Railway Bridges and
Trestles for Railway Loading.

c. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as superseding details or notations shown on design drawings. Where this
recommended practice conflicts with the drawings, the drawings will govern.

d. Workmanship should be of the best quality in each class of work. Competent bridge carpenters shall be employed and
all framing shall be true and exact. No blocking or shimming will be permitted, except as approved by the Engineer.

e. On completion of the work, all surplus material or material salvaged from an existing structure should be removed
from the premises as directed. Material not salvageable and other refuse should be properly disposed of in accordance
with applicable federal and local environmental regulations. Premises should be left in a clean, neat and orderly
condition.

SECTION 4.4 FRAMING OF TIMBER (2017)

a. All cutting, framing, and boring of timbers to be treated, should be done before treatment unless otherwise shown on
the plans or specifically permitted by the Railroad Bridge Engineer.
3
b. All field cuts, bored holes, or other damage made in treated lumber should be carefully trimmed and then field treated
by the application of an approved topical wood treatment product and/or sealant as recommended by the American
Wood Protection Association in standard M4-15. All holes bored in treated material should be field treated, in such a
manner that the entire surface of the hole receives thorough penetration. All countersunk recesses for bolts which
would form pockets to retain water should be treated as for cuts and then filled with a suitable mastic after the bolt is
placed. All holes bored in treated material that will not be used for placement of hardware or for drainage should be 4
field plugged or filled with an approved sealant.

c. Sills should have a true and even bearing on foundation piles, timber grillages, mats or pedestals. Sills should be
installed either above ground to allow free air circulation, a minimum of four feet below ground level or as otherwise
determined by the Railroad Bridge Engineer.

d. Posts in framed bents shall be sawed to proper length (vertical or batter) and shall have an even bearing on caps, sills or
pile stubs. When posting batter piles directly onto a pile stub, the piles should be cut perpendicular to the pile axis.

e. Caps shall be sized to a uniform depth and placed to a uniform and even bearing on piles or posts.

f. Sash and sway bracing, tower bracing and girts shall bear firmly against the piles or timber to which secured. When
necessary, filler shall be placed to avoid bending the bracing more than 1 inch out of line when the bracing bolts or

1
References, Vol. 8, 1907, pp. 397, 442; Vol. 35, 1934, pp. 998, 1176; Vol. 36, 1935, pp. 781, 1009; Vol. 54, 1953, pp. 942, 1329; Vol. 61, 1960, pp. 587,
1095; Vol. 89, 1988, p. 106.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-3

Timber Structures

other fastenings are drawn up tight. Built-up fillers will not be permitted and each filler shall be a single piece of
creosoted lumber of like kind to that in the brace with a width of not less than 6 inches and a length of not less than 12
inches.

g. Stringers should be sized to provide a uniform depth and even bearing at supports.

h. All bridge components should be sized in accordance with the plans.

i. Bulkheads at the ends of trestles shall be of sufficient height and width to retain properly the shoulders of
embankments and to provide a berm sufficient to prevent loss of embankment from beneath the bulkhead. When
necessary, special anchorage, such as bulkhead piles or dead-men buried in the embankment, shall be provided to
support the bulkhead.

j. All fastenings, including machine bolts, dowels, drift pins, drift bolts, lag screws, threaded rods, timber connectors and
other type fastenings shall be placed in accordance with the plans, drawn up securely, and on completion of the
structure shall be retightened. Unless otherwise shown on the plans, holes for dowels, drift pins or drift bolts shall be
bored 1/16 inch smaller than the nominal diameter of the dowel, drift pin or drift bolt used; holes shall not be bored
deeper than the length of the dowel, drift pin or drift bolt. Holes for machine bolts and threaded rods other than
dowels, drift pins or drift bolts shall be bored a minimum of 1/32” larger to a maximum of 1/16 inch larger than the
nominal diameter of the machine bolt or threaded rod used. Holes for lag screws shall be bored 1/16 inch smaller than
the body of the screw at the base of the thread. All other fasteners shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations.

k. Screw-type fastenings shall be screwed into place for the entire length of the fastening. Driving with a maul or other
tool will not be permitted.

l. Timber connectors shall be of the types specified on the plans. Split-ring and shear-plate connectors shall be installed
in pre-cut grooves of the dimensions shown on the plans or as recommended by the manufacturer. Toothed-ring and
spike-grid connectors, and clamping plates, shall be forced into the contact surfaces of the timbers joined by means of
proper pressure tools; all connectors of these types at any joint shall be embedded simultaneously and uniformly.

SECTION 4.5 SUBSTRUCTURE

4.5.1 PILE POSTING, OR REPLACING DEFECTIVE PORTIONS OF PILES (2014)

Pile Posting, or replacing defective portions of piles should be performed as follows:

a. Posting of timber piles may be accomplished per Figure 7-4-1 or other standard practice approved by the Bridge
Engineer.

b. With approval of the Railroad Bridge Engineer, multiple or adjacent piles may be posted provided adequate
longitudinal and lateral bracing is installed to ensure the stability of the posted piles and the bent as a whole.

c. Posting of piles utilizing multiple joints in the same bent is not recommended unless approved by the Railroad Bridge
Engineer and additional bracing is installed to ensure the stability of the pile.

d. When posting of piles is not practical, and with the approval of the Railroad Bridge Engineer, bents should be framed
or replaced along with suitable longitudinal and lateral bracing to ensure the stability of the bent.

e. Where piling are decayed at the top, they may be cut off and double capped or single pile corbels may be considered.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-4 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

f. Cut offs on piles for posts or frames shall be done beyond the area of deterioration at a location of sound timber.

g. All field fresh cuts and bored holes should be treated with wood preservative as specified in Article 4.4, Paragraph b.

Figure 7-4-1. Schematic Diagram of Pile Posting

4.5.2 DRIVING TIMBER PILES1 (2017) 4

4.5.2.1 Scope (1990) R(2013)

This specification covers the driving of wood piles in trestles, foundations, and for protection work.2

4.5.2.2 T ests (1990) R(2013)

In the absence of other reliable information to determine pile lengths, a thorough exploration shall be made at the site by
borings, driving test piles, or by pile loading tests, prior to the selection of the length of piles for the work, and to determine
characteristics incident to pile resistance and penetration.

1
References, Vol. 12, 1911, part 1, pp. 279, 307; Vol. 16, 1915, pp. 894, 1181; Vol. 41, 1940, pp. 326, 864; Vol. 54, 1953, pp. 943, 1329; Vol. 62, 1961, pp.
513, 848; Vol. 89, 1988, p. 106; Vol. 91, 1990, p. 57.
2 For the driving of concrete piles and steel piles, and for information on loading tests, see Chapter 8, Concrete Structures and Foundations.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-5

Timber Structures

4.5.2.3 Materials (1990) R(2013)

The kinds of wood, physical requirements, dimensions, and manufacture are specified in Part 1, Material Specifications for
Lumber, Timber, Engineered Wood Products, Timber Piles, Fasteners, Timber Bridge Ties and Recommendations for Fire-
Retardant Coating for Creosoted Wood, under the subject title Specifications for Timber Piles.

4.5.2.4 Handling of Material (2013)

a. Treated piles shall be handled in accordance with requirements of Section 4.1, Handling of Material (2016).

b. The surface of treated piles below cut-off elevation shall not be disturbed by boring holes or driving nails or spikes into
them to support temporary material or staging. Staging may be supported in slings carried over the tops of piles or
attached to pile clamps of an approved design.

4.5.2.5 Selection and Preparation of Piles (1990) R(2013)

4.5.2.5.1 Size R(2013)

a. The piles in each bent of a pile trestle shall be selected for uniformity of size to facilitate placing of the brace timbers.

b. It is presumed that piles will be furnished in approximately the lengths required to secure the desired penetration and
bearing. In the event piles are found to be much in excess of the required lengths, they shall be shortened at the small
end before driving, as may be directed by the engineer, in order to preserve the desired diameter of pile at the cut-off.

4.5.2.5.2 Pointing R(2013)

Under ordinary conditions points of piles shall be cut perpendicular to the axis of the pile; where necessary or desirable, points
may be trimmed to form a truncated pyramid 4 inches to 6 inches square at the end and with length of trimming not to exceed
twice the tip diameter of the pile.

4.5.2.5.3 Pile Shoes R(2013)

a. Where the driving of a test pile or former experience at the site indicates that difficult driving will be encountered,
metal shoes of an approved design may be attached to the tips of the piles.

b. Each pile point shall be carefully trimmed to fit the shoe and obtain full and uniform bearing, and to avoid
displacement of the shoe or damage to the pile or shoe.

4.5.2.5.4 Collars R(2013)

Where the heads of piles tend to split when being driven, the heads shall be tightly wrapped with No. 12 gage annealed iron
wire to form a band not less than 2 inches in width, held in place with staples, or shall be protected with strap-iron bands
applied with a banding tool, or other effective means shall be used to prevent splitting.

4.5.2.5.5 Driving Cap R(2013)

The heads of piles shall be protected while being driven with a driving cap (bonnet) of approved design. The cap shall be
shaped to fit over the head of the pile to provide lateral support, and to uniformly distribute the hammer blow. Pile heads shall
be trimmed to fit snugly into the cap.

4.5.2.6 T ypes of Hammers (2013)

a. Pile driving shall not be started on any project until approval is secured from the engineer as to the type and weight of
the hammer to be used.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-6 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

b. Piles shall be driven with the heaviest hammer that, in the judgement of the engineer, can be used to secure maximum
penetration without appreciable damage to the pile.1

c. Where a drop hammer is used, the striking ram shall weigh not less than 3000 lbs. The fall shall be so regulated as to
avoid damage to the pile.

d. Special care shall be used in choice of hammer where the shock to surrounding material may cause damage to an
adjacent structure.

4.5.2.7 Driving (2015)

4.5.2.7.1 Leads R(2013)

Pile driver leads shall be constructed in such a manner as to afford freedom of movement of the hammer, and they shall be held
in position to ensure support for the pile during driving. All piles shall be driven with leads and hammer in line with the neutral
axis of the driven pile.

4.5.2.7.2 Followers R(2013)

The use of followers shall be avoided if practicable and shall be used only with the written permission of the engineer.

4.5.2.7.3 Line R(2013)

Piles shall be driven as accurately as possible in the correct location, true to line both laterally and longitudinally, and to the
vertical or batter lines as indicated on the plans. On sloping ground or under difficult conditions of driving, the pile shall be
1
started in a hole or guiding template or other necessary means provided to insure driving in the proper location. In case a pile
works out of line in driving, it shall be properly aligned before it is cut off or braced, and the distance that it may be pulled
shall be determined by the engineer.

4.5.2.7.4 Jetting R(2013)

3
Jetting shall not be done unless specifically permitted by the engineer. When waterjets are used, the number of jets and the
volume and pressure of water shall be sufficient to freely erode the material adjacent to the pile. The plant shall have sufficient
capacity to deliver at least 100 psi pressure at two 3/4 inch nozzles. Before the desired penetration is reached, the jets shall be
removed and the pile finally set under normal driving by at least 50 blows from a gravity or single-acting hammer or 200
blows from a double acting hammer.

4.5.2.7.5 Drilling (2013) 4

a. When it has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the engineer that piling cannot be driven in the regular manner or by
jetting, holes may be predrilled to facilitate the driving.

b. Where drilling is permitted, the holes drilled shall have a diameter not more than 1 inch larger than the tip diameter of
the pile and the drilling will continue only through the strata of hard material obstructing the driving. Where the hard
material extends below the desired penetration, the drilling shall be stopped above that penetration level and the pile
finally set under normal driving in accordance to the bearing required. At least 50 blows from a gravity or single-acting
hammer or 200 blows from a double-acting hammer shall be used if possible to do so without damaging the pile.

1
For a discussion of the proper relationship of weight of ram to weight of pile, and net effective energy of blow, in selecting pile driving hammers, reference
is made to Vol. 37, 1936, AREMA Proceedings.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-7

Timber Structures

4.5.2.7.6 Penetration R(2013)

It is expected that piles shall be driven, jetted or drilled and driven to the full penetration shown on the plans or as otherwise
required. This shall not be construed to mean that driving may stop when such penetration as shown on the plans has been
secured, but on the contrary, driving shall continue in every case until the total penetration obtained is satisfactory to the
engineer, regardless of the fact that sufficient bearing capacity as determined by formula may be obtained at a lesser depth.

4.5.2.7.7 Bearing Capacity (2015)

a. Where possible, test piles shall be driven and loading tests made before construction is started, as referred to under
Article 4.5.2.2 Tests. In the absence of such data, the following “Engineering News” formulas may be used to estimate
the approximate safe bearing capacity of piles in most soils:

For drop hammers:

P = FWh
------------
S+1

For double-acting combustion hammers:

Replace with:

FE
P = -----------------
S + 0.1

For single-acting hammers:

FWh -
P = ----------------
S + 0.1

where:

P = safe load in pounds

W = weight of hammer or ram in pounds
h = fall of hammer or stroke of piston in feet
S = average penetration in inches per blow, for the last 5 blows of a drop hammer or 20 blows of a single or
double-acting hammer
F = 2 for piles driven to practical refusal in any material
E = energy per blow of hammer, in foot - pounds

b. These formulas are applicable only when the hammer has a free fall, the head of the pile is not broomed or crushed, the
penetration is reasonably uniform, and there is no appreciable bounce of the hammer. The character of the soil
penetrated; conditions of driving; spacing, size and length of piles; and experience under similar conditions; shall be
given due consideration in determining the value of piles by formula.

c. The formulas should not be applied to friction piles driving into such soils as silt, muck, peat, or plastic clays, nor to
piles which act as end-bearing piles.

d. For jetted piles the same formulas will apply and the test shall be made when driving is resumed after removal of the
jets. For piles driven in drilled holes, the tests shall be made after the tip of the pile has passed the bottom of the hole.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-8 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

4.5.2.7.8 Delay (2013)

When driving is interrupted before final penetration is reached, record for bearing capacity shall not be taken until at least 12
inches penetration or refusal has been obtained after driving has been resumed.

4.5.2.7.9 Overdriving R(2013)

When the point of refusal is reached, care shall be taken to avoid damaging the pile by overdriving. This condition is indicated
when the hammer begins to bounce or when the energy of the blow is dissipated in the bending or kicking of the pile.

4.5.2.7.10 Replacing (2013)

Any pile driven too far out of line, driven below cut-off elevation, or so damaged in driving or straightening as to impair its
structural value as a pile under the conditions of use, shall be pulled and replaced by a new pile.

4.5.2.8 Framing (2017)

4.5.2.8.1 Cut-Off R(2013)

The tops of piles shall be pulled into line if necessary, fixed in position, cut off to a true plane as shown on the plans, and at the
elevation established by the engineer. Piles shall show a solid head at the plane of the cut off.

4.5.2.8.2 Treatment

After cut offs have been made, the tops of piles shall be treated in accordance with requirements of Section 4.4, Paragraph b.
1

4.5.2.8.3 Pile Covering

The treated pile cut-off should be covered with a coat of pitch, asphalt or similar material which should then be applied along
with a protective sheet material, such as metal, roofing felt or saturated fabric fitted over the pile cut-off.
3
4.5.2.8.4 Placing Caps

Caps shall be placed while the piles are held in correct position. Where drift pins or drift bolts are used for making the
connection, the caps and tops of piles shall be bored 1/16 inch smaller than the nominal diameter of the drift pin or drift bolt
and to a depth of 2 inches less than its driven length. Where the connection is made with straps and bolts, see Section 4.4,
Paragraph b for boring and treatment of holes.
4
4.5.2.8.5 Bracing1

a. Piling should not be trimmed or cut to facilitate the framing of sway or longitudinal bracing. Where necessary, filler
blocks should be used between the pile and brace to establish the bracing in a true plane. Filler blocks should be sized
in accordance with Section 4.4, Paragraph f.

b. Spike-grid or similar shear connectors may be installed between piles and bracing components to provide an enhanced
shear connection.

4.5.2.8.6 Holes for Bolts and Other Fasteners

a. Holes for bolts and fasteners shall be bored in accordance with Section 4.4, Paragraph j.

1
See Part 6 Commentary.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-9

Timber Structures

b. All field drilled holes shall be treated with preservative in accordance with requirements specified in Section 4.4,
Paragraph b. Bolts shall be cleaned of rust and scale, and dipped in approved sealing compound before placing. All
unused holes shall be plugged at each end with tight fitting treated wooden plugs.

4.5.2.8.7 General Field Treatment

Where it is necessary to disturb the surface of treated piles or timber, or where the surface has been damaged in handling, such
surfaces shall be treated in accordance with requirements of Section 4.4, Paragraph b.

4.5.2.9 Foundation Piles (1990)

a. For the design of pile foundations, exploration at the site, and test pile loading, see Chapter 8, Concrete Structures and
Foundations; Part 4, Pile Foundations.

b. The general specifications above should apply to the driving of wood foundation piles.

c. Pile driving should not be started until foundation excavation has been carried to plan depth.

d. After all of the piles are driven, tests should be made to determine if any of the piles have raised due to driving of
adjacent piles. Any piles that have raised should be driven down again.

e. After driving is completed, the piles should be cut off as shown on the plans and at the elevation established by the
engineer. All loose and displaced materials down to the level of original excavation should be removed from the
foundation pit, leaving a clean solid surface on the piles, and bottom and walls of the pit.

4.5.2.10 Protection Work (1990)

a. The general specifications above should apply to the driving of wood piles for protection work.

b. It is essential that protection work be constructed as securely as possible, accurately located as shown on the plans, and
the piles driven to a fixed penetration or to refusal as may be determined by the Railroad Bridge Engineer.

4.5.2.11 Pile Record (1988)1

a. An accurate record should be kept of all piles, as each is driven, to show the location in the structure, size of pile,
penetration, resistance to driving and other essential data. See suggested form for reporting this information,
Figure 7-4-2. Size can be 8-1/211 or 8 10-1/2.

b. The size and arrangement of pile driving record forms may be varied to adapt them to the convenience of user, method
of filing, and use to be made of the data. The form found in Figure 7-4-2 embodies the minimum of information for a
satisfactory record. Among additional items which may be desirable are:

• reference to piles other than wood;

• steam hammer blows per minute;

• data on batter;

• reference to jetting;

• computed bearing value; and

1
References, Vol. 12, 1911, part 1, pp. 278, 307; Vol. 52, 1951, pp. 426, 846; Vol. 62, 1961, pp. 514, 848; Vol. 89, 1988, p. 106.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-10 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

• other arrangement of data on length between butt, cut-off, ground and point of pile.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-11

Timber Structures

North and South Railroad

Pile Record of Bridge:

Location:

Weight and Kind of Hammer: Date:

Avg. Last Blows
Size of Pile
Bent No. of (Note 3)
Kind of Base-rail Total Kind of
Date No. Pile Cutoff Drop Remarks
Wood to Ground Penetration Soil
(Note 1) (Note 2) Tip Butt Length of Penetration
End End
Hammer

Note 1: Bents numbered in direction in which mile posts increase.

Note 2: Piles numbered from left to right.
Note 3: Five blows for drop hammers and 20 blows for single or double-acting hammers.

Figure 7-4-2. Sample Pile Record Form

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-12 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

SECTION 4.6 SUPERSTRUCTURE

4.6.1 OPEN DECK BRIDGES (2017)

4.6.1.1 Decks on Timber Bridges

a. New ties on open deck bridges should be spaced in accordance with Article 1.7.8.1 Bridge Tie Spacing and Spacers.

b. At a minimum, decks should be securely fastened to the superstructure every fourth tie, and every other tie on curved
track or as directed by the Engineer.

c. All ties should be installed square to the superstructure and all ties should be evenly spaced. It may be practical to
decrease the spacing at end of bridges to improve load distribution, decrease wear, and reduce the amount of ballast
from falling on bearing seats.

d. Guard timber, tie spacers and/or timber spacer blocks should be secured fastened directly to all ties.

e. For tie plates, tie pads and tie fastening, reference Article 1.7.8 Bridge Tie Installation (2017).

4.6.1.2 Lining and Gaging

a. Prior to deck installation, verify condition of the rail. If the rail shows significant signs of wear, it may be necessary to
replace the rail prior to deck installation.
1
b. Identify the running rail, and start by lining it. Gage the rail accordingly.

4.6.2 BALLAST DECK BRIDGES (2017)

4.6.2.1 Decks on Timber Bridges1

a. Decks and track should be centered on the bridge. Any deviation should be evaluated by the Railroad Bridge Engineer
3
for correction to avoid eccentric loading on the structure.

b. Deck assemblies should be securely fastened to the superstructure to prevent movement.

4.6.2.2 Ballast Depth2

4
a. Minimum depth of ballast for existing bridges under timber or composite ties should not be less than 6 inches.

b. Minimum depth of ballast under concrete ties should not be less than 12 inches.

c. Excessive ballast should be removed by resurfacing of the track, or by raising the deck to avoid overloading.

4.6.2.3 Retainers

a. Ballast retainers should be adequately secured to the deck and should comply with provisions of Part 2 Design of Wood
Railway Bridges and Trestles for Railway Loading.

1
See Part 6 Commentary.
2
See Part 6 Commentary.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-13

Timber Structures

4.6.2.4 Ballast Leaks

a. Ballast leaks should be repaired by replacing individual deck boards or section of deck.

b. When replacing boards is not practical, a short term solution may be as follows: ballast should be dug out enough to
expose solid deck boards on all edges of the leak. A steel plate or minimum one inch thick treated timber board may be
cut to fit over the deteriorated section of decking. This plate or timber board should overlap the existing opening a
minimum of 3 inches onto solid timber decking. The plate or timber board should be placed so it lays flat on the deck
boards and is secured in place to the deck.

c. When ballast leaks become a frequent maintenance occurrence, the entire deck or portion of it should be considered for
replacement.

4.6.3 STRINGERS (2017)

Stringers should be installed in a manner to provide uniform top surface for tie or deck board installation. All stringers in each
span should be made of the same size, material and wood species. Intermixing of engineered and solid sawn timbers should be
approved by the Railroad Bridge Engineer.

4.6.3.1 Stringer Chords

a. Stringer chords should be centered under the running rails.

b. Any deviation between the centerline of rail and chord should be evaluated by the Railroad Bridge Engineer for
correction to avoid eccentric loading.

c. Stringer chords should have an adequate number of chord bolts. There should be a minimum of 4 bolts at intermediate
bents and a minimum of 2 bolts at end bents. See Figure 7-A1-26.

d. Washers shall be used under the head and nut of each chord bolt as specified in Paragraph 1.6.2.c Types of Fasteners,
Washers.

e. Chord bolts should not be tightened to the point of causing damage to wood fibers.

f. Individual stringers in a chord should be staggered, as shown in Figure 7-4-3. The stringers should be tightly packed
and all stringer ends centered on intermediate bents. Separate measurements should be taken on both sides of the
centerline of track to account for any skew of bents.

g. On end bent caps, all stringers should bear on the entire width of the cap.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-14 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

Figure 7-4-3. Staggered Chord Layout Examples

4.6.3.2 Stringer Replacement in Chords

a. Individual stringers may be replaced with stringers that are equal in length and have similar properties to the remaining
stringers in the chord.
4
b. When multiple stringers are found to be defective in a chord, it may be practical to replace the entire chord or portion
of the chord. When only a section of the chord is replaced, the new stringer plug should be placed into the existing
chord in a manner that would maintain the continuity of the chord and with similar properties to the remaining
stringers.

c. If it is not practical to maintain continuity, a temporary stringer plug acting as a simple span may be installed to
maintain rail service. Such repairs should be considered as temporary and frequent inspection should be made to
evaluate the need for permanent repair.

d. All timber cuts must be treated with wood preservatives as outlined in Paragraph 4.4(b) Framing of Timber.

e. Stringers should be handled in such a way to prevent damage to wood fibers.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-15

Timber Structures

4.6.4 WALKWAYS1

a. When new walkways are to be installed on only one side of a bridge the walkway should be placed on the side as
specified by the Engineer.

b. Walkways should be maintained to minimize tripping hazards, and properly secured to walkway support structure.

c. New walkway handrails should be installed to provide clearance in accordance with Article 2.2.2 Clearances (1988)
R(2017) or with applicable regulatory requirements, whichever is more restrictive.

4.6.5 BACKWALLS & WINGWALLS (2016)

a. Backwalls and wingwalls play an essential role in maintaining approaches to bridges. Proper maintenance of these
bridge components helps to maintain the integrity of track structure at the approaches, including embankment and
geometry. Low approaches should be corrected to extend the life of the structure.

SECTION 4.7 SUPPORT, REPAIR, PRESERVE, OR REPLACE DAMAGED PORTIONS OF

THE STRUCTURE (2014)

a. Deteriorated pile may be restored by using a cast in place reinforced concrete jacket. The jacket must extend above and
below the defective area to adequately support the loads. See Figure 7-4-4.

1
See Part 6 Commentary.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-16 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

Figure 7-4-4. Pile Restoration Using Cast in Place Reinforced Concrete Jacket
3

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-17

Timber Structures

b. Splits or checks may be arrested by clamping, using steel assemblies to compress the member, or stitching, using

Figure 7-4-5. Clamping

Figure 7-4-6. Stitching

through bolts to hold the member together. Configuration, number and size of fasteners should be determined on a case
by case basis. Stitch bolt spacing should be determined by Part 2, Design of Wood Railway Bridges and Trestles for
Railway Loading; Section 2.6, Details of Design, Article 2.6.4. Holes for stitch bolts should be sized in accordance
with Article 4.4.j. Stitch bolts should only be tightened to the point where they begin to take tension. Splits or checks
should not be closed as this may extend the defect to the other side of the clamp or stitched area. See Figure 7-4-5 and
Figure 7-4-6.

c. When individual structural components have become weakened beyond their ability to perform their intended function,
replacing these members shall be in accordance with the requirements established by the Bridge Engineer.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-18 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

d. Shimming of stringers to provide proper surface and cross level should be performed using a single hard wood shim
under each chord or stringer. Shimming with stacked or multiple shims is to be avoided.

e. All bolts should be retightened during normal servicing of the structure.

4.7.1 CONTROL MOISTURE (2014)

Timber decay is reduced by controlling the amount of moisture present in timber bridges. To minimize moisture entry, the
following actions are recommended:

a. Remove dirt and debris.

b. Provide adequate drainage from deck.

c. Ensure adequate support surface for tie plates.

d. Provide water proofing systems for ballast decks.

e. Ensure hardware is tight, sealing holes preventing moisture entrance.

f. Plug any unused holes with treated wood plugs.

4.7.2 FIELD APPLICATION OF PRESERVATIVE CHEMICALS (2014)1

1
Timber decay can be prevented or arrested by field application of preservative chemicals. It is recommended they be used by
qualified personnel with experience in treating structural timber. Chemical treatments should be applied to all abrasions as
specified in Paragraph 4.4.b.

3
SECTION 4.8 METHODS OF FIREPROTECTING TIMBER BRIDGES2

4.8.1 METHODS OF FIREPROTECTION (2015)

The following methods may be used in providing fire protection to timber bridges. Fire protection can be accomplished via
other materials and their methods of application to timber may be acceptable. 4

4.8.2 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS (2015)

a. Under this method detector systems are connected with the signal and communication systems that, in case of fire, the
block signals will show warning indications and the train dispatcher/control operator will receive notification to initiate
proper fire response.

b. Special fire-fighting apparatus and watchmen may be employed in unusual cases where conditions warrant.

4.8.3 HOUSEKEEPING (2015)

a. Decks should be kept clear of all combustible material.

1
See Part 6 Commentary.
2
References, Vol. 42, 1941, pp. 291, 868; Vol. 54, 1953, pp. 962, 1331; Vol. 62, 1961, pp. 514, 848; Vol. 63, 1962, pp. 453, 684; Vol. 89, 1988, p. 106.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-19

Timber Structures

b. Brush and weeds should be kept down within a distance of at least 25 feet from the outer most edges of the bridge.

4.8.4 FIRE BARRIERS (2015)

Under this method long bridges and trestles are protected by introducing fire barriers at intervals of about 400 feet. This
reduces the hazard by preventing loss of the entire structure in case of fire. Such barriers may be grouped by types of
construction, as follows:

a. Earth fill (see Figure 7-4-7).

b. Reinforced concrete piers or concrete pile bents with steel or concrete spans (see Figure 7-4-8).

c. Facing bents with fire-resisting materials (see Figure 7-A3-31).

Figure 7-4-7. Earth Fill Break in a Long Trestle

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-20 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

 Construction and Maintenance of Timber Structures

Figure 7-4-8. Reinforced Concrete Piers and Reinforced Concrete Bents as Fire Stops

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 7-4-21

Timber Structures

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

© 2017, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

7-4-22 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering