Attachment_2_GLAC_Bridge_Decking_Questions_Answered_0001.docx

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Attached to
BRIDGE DECKING FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
140P1426Q0078
Issued by
Department of the Interior National Park Service Intermountain Region

About this file

This is a Questions and Answers document for a federal solicitation regarding bridge decking materials for Glacier National Park. The document addresses nine inquiries from potential contractors regarding material specifications, treatment requirements, and delivery details for pressure-treated glulam beams intended for bridge deck replacement.

Key specifications clarified in the Q&A include: the acceptable species is Douglas Fir only (Hem-Fir and Larch are not acceptable); glulam panels must be uniform-grade, single-combination laminations conforming to Axial Combination No. 3 or Combo 50 without special tension laminations; adhesives must be 100% waterproof, wet-use exterior type conforming to ANSI 405; and the preservative treatment shall be Copper Naphthenate (CuN) in Type C carrier (mineral spirits) conforming to AWPS P8, P9, and P36 to a minimum net retention of 0.04 pounds per cubic foot conforming to UC3B. The Government confirmed that delivery will occur at Park Headquarters in West Glacier, Montana, with unloading capability available on-site. However, several critical specifications remain marked as "TBD" (To Be Determined), including the exact AWPA Use Category, pressure treatment level, and precise lumber dimensions and quantity—the document notes confusion regarding whether the requirement is 5.5" × 48" × 18' beams in quantities of 14, or alternatively standard 2×6 boards (1.5" × 5.5") that are 4' wide for the 18' bridge span.

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Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to BRIDGE DECKING FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, newest first.
File Type Posted
Attachment_3_GLAC_Bridge_Decking_Questions_Answered_UPDATED_0002.docx DOCX document
Attachment_4_Bridge_Blueprint_0002.pdf PDF
Sol_140P1426Q0078_Amd_0002.pdf PDF
Sol_140P1426Q0078_Amd_0001.pdf PDF
Specifications_for_Bridge_Decking.pdf PDF
Sol_140P1426Q0078.pdf PDF

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Text version

No.

Question
Answer
1
Fir-Larch is a species group that includes Douglas Fir and Larch. Is it fair to assume that Hem-Fir will not meet your spec? Also of note, Larch doesn’t take treatment well, so if you want it treated you might want to limit the spec to Douglas Fir.

Hem-fir would not be acceptable. Doug Fir accepts treatment slightly better, but not noticeable difference. Would ensure to specify incising to increase treatment penetration.

2
Do you have a treatment spec in mind? Several options exist, to include water based or oil based; some are better than others.

Treat with Copper Naphthenate (CuN) in Type C carrier (mineral spirits) conforming to American Wood Preservers (AWPS) P8, P9, and P36 to a minimum net retention of 0.04 pounds per cubic footing conforming to UC3B

3
Glulams aren’t graded like standard lumber products, so the #2 or better spec might not get you what you need. Are you looking for an industrial or architectural grade? 2400F V4 or V8 for strength grade?

This is a good guide from USFS on timber bridge decking: https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/59357.pdf 24F V4 of 24F V8, as noted above would not be preferred for deck glulams, as they are specified for bending about the x-x axis with special tension laminations top and bottom, rather unform layup of the laminations is preferred:

· Glulam deck panels shall be manufactured using uniform-grade, single-combination laminations across the entire cross-section.

· Species: Douglas Fir.

· Lamination Combination: Conform to Axial Combination No. 3 or Combo 50 (without special tension laminations)

· Adhesives: 100% waterproof, wet-use exterior adhesives conforming to ANSI 405.

See Figure 2.1 Below

4
Will these beams be used for the decking itself or will they be used as structural support for the decking? Glulams are fantastic for structural use, but not ideal for decking because they are prone to delamination and rot when exposed to the wear and tear of foot and vehicle traffic.

· This is a good guide from USFS on timber decking: https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/59357.pdf

· Recommend using the glulams as noted above that are often specified for bridge decks

· For higher ADT bridges we would recommend running planks in the wheel path to minimize wear/tear on the glulam top of deck, but given that the existing bridge decks functioned appropriately until the fire, likely not needed here.

See Lake MCDonald Bridge # 2 (Photo #1) below

5
Where specifically will the product be delivered?

Park Headquarters, West Glacier, MT

6
Do you have the means to unload the delivery?

Yes

7
The documents do not identify a specific AWPA Use Category, pressure treatment level, preservative type, or retention requirement.

TBD

8
After reviewing the solicitation documents and specifications, I noted that the requirement specifies Pressure Treated Glulam, Fir/Larch, Grade #2 or better, with dimensions of 5-1/2" x 48" x 18'.

However, the documents do not identify a specific AWPA Use Category, pressure treatment level, preservative type, or retention requirement.

Could you please confirm the required treatment specification or advise the recommended Use Category for this bridge decking application so we can ensure compliance with the Government’s requirements?

TBD

9
The dimensions of the lumber is listed as “5 ½” x 48” x 18’” as well as a quantity of 14. Does this mean you are looking for enough material to cover an area that is 48” wide and 18’ long and 5.5” thick? And looking to cover 14 sections of that size?

What I am thinking is you are maybe looking for a regular 2x6 board (1.5” x 5.5” actual dimensions) that is 4’ wide and enough material to deck the 18’ bridge?

TBD

image1.png image2.png

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .