A Durable, Sustainable Solution for Bridges, Marine Structures, and Other Industrial Applications

America’s infrastructure is at a crossroads. Consider the facts.

• According to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, 42% of the 617,000 bridges in the U.S. are at least 50 years old, and 7.5% of them are considered structurally deficient.
• The Folly Current reports that the average lifespan for wooden piers is between 20 and 30 years. This highlights the importance of proper ongoing maintenance, replacements, and selecting the right marine-grade lumber to start.

The bottom line: These vital structures are aging, and in many cases, in need of repair and replacement. Such a systemic challenge underscores the importance of selecting the right materials to repair or replace.

Thanks to its durability and reliability, pressure-treated wood offers a proven solution.

Pressure-Treated Wood: A Vital Solution for America’s Infrastructure

Pressure-treated wood is lumber that has been infused with preservatives that strengthen and protect it from environmental elements, rot, decay, and pests. The three main preservatives used are chromated copper arsenate (CCA), micronized copper azole (MCA), and borate. Each chemical compound serves a slightly different purpose, but CCA is the most common treatment for wood used in infrastructure projects.

While MCA and borate offer environmentally friendlier alternatives, CCA-treated wood has a proven track record for important infrastructure projects across the country. Here’s why.

Durability: Pressure-treated wood is much more durable than untreated lumber, and in fact, the latter would not even be used for outdoor construction. However, for outdoor applications, these preservatives significantly boost the material’s resistance to the elements, rendering it much more resilient and imparting a longer lifespan for the structure.

Strength: Despite being lightweight, pressure-treated wood possesses high strength properties, which is a core reason why it is still widely used for structural supports, marine structures, and bridge decks. Its capacity to bear heavy loads and withstand the stresses inherent to infrastructure projects is hard to beat with alternative materials.

Cost-Effectiveness: Pressure-treated wood typically comes with a lower price tag compared to steel, concrete, plastic, or composites. This makes it an attractive choice for municipalities and builders, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects that often require tons of material.

Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource, and when sourced responsibly, pressure-treated wood can be part of a sustainable building strategy. The treatment process enhances the wood’s ability to last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimizing carbon footprints.

Versatility: Pressure-treated wood is versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including the structural components of bridges, marine structures, and fencing. Its adaptability makes it an ideal material for a variety of infrastructure projects and climates, whether in rural, urban, or coastal settings.

Putting Pressure-Treated Wood to Work

Pressure-treated wood is a preferred material for infrastructure projects due to its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions that can lead to moisture absorption and decay. In the water, using it extends the lifespan of bridges, piers, and marine structures and reduces maintenance and replacement costs, an added benefit for cities and local municipalities that build with it. Additionally, the lightweight nature of wood makes it easier to transport and install, while its natural flexibility allows it to better resist the stresses of wind and weather. This highlights the importance of using high-quality timber such as treated southern yellow pine from trusted suppliers.

Other infrastructure applications include pressure-treated posts and beams that serve as foundational supports, which can be anchored to concrete foundations or footings for enhanced stability. Their durability and resistance to moisture and decay make them ideal for long-lasting infrastructure construction, especially in environments prone to high humidity or with ground contact.

Finally, the material is essential for retaining walls due to its ability to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and soil. Retaining walls are constantly in contact with soil and groundwater, conditions that would lead to rot and ultimately structural failure in untreated wood. This is also why it is used for decking and outdoor structures, particularly for the support beams, which must be treated for ground contact.

A Foundational Element of America’s Infrastructure

Pressure-treated wood is widely used for essential infrastructure applications, where its dependability is a key factor for builders and engineers who select it.

With growing modernization demands and the need for sustainable, cost-effective solutions, pressure-treated wood remains a vital resource in preserving and expanding America’s infrastructure. Its combination of durability, strength, and versatility means it is poised to play an essential role in maintaining the bridges and other critical structures that keep our country running smoothly.

As the nation looks ahead and prioritizes the improvement of the country’s infrastructure, incorporating pressure-treated wood as a viable building material will drive longevity, sustainability, and performance when it comes to the built environment.