Seawalls, Docks and Piers Constructed of Exposed Wood Will Fail- TimberGuard is the Newest and Most Effective Solution
Wood used for marine structures such as seawalls, docks and piers is extremely vulnerable to decomposition. Traditional chemical treatment methods work for a short period of time but pose environmental concerns. TimberGuard is the modern solution.
Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 3, 2007 -- TimberGuard, manufactured by Crane Materials International, is the best solution available to protect marine timber. This revolutionary new process fully encapsulates treated timber and piling. The technique is proprietary and the materials are state of the art.
In marine environments, timbers and pilings are destroyed through decomposition by fungus, bacteria, termites, and other aquatic invertebrates known as marine borers - with consequences that range from mild cosmetic damage to a complete loss of structural integrity.
According to The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, "Timber structures in a marine environment are subject to attack by a variety of destructive organisms. Thus, they should be properly treated with appropriate preservatives to prevent or retard this type of deterioration."
Today there are three basic methods of timber preservation:
1.Chemical Treatment- Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is the most common chemical treatment applied to wood for marine use. While this treatment is generally effective against land-born decomposers, it is generally ineffective at combating marine borers. Additionally, CCA is water-soluble and will leach when in direct contact with water, leaving the wood exposed to attack and depositing potentially toxic chemicals into the environment. The EPA had banned the use of CCA in fresh water applications and many municipalities are following suit for marine use. Placing chemically treated wood directly into a marine environment is irresponsible.
2.Pile wrapping- Typically used in conjunction with pressure treated wood, has seen increased use over the last several decades. Pile wrapping involves wrapping exposed pile sections with an impervious flexible plastic or fiberglass wrap. This technique is focused primarily on limiting marine borer damage after it has already begun. Additionally, the numerous seams and failure points involved in this method leave much to be desired in providing ideal preservation. In their pile wrap evaluation study, Han-Padron Associates concluded the following. "As was the case in this study, the bands that are needed to ensure a good seal can corrode and fall off. This can cause an effectively functioning wrap to fail."
3.Full encapsulation- currently offers the most effective solution to wood decomposition, structural loss and environmental concerns. This approach builds on the proven process of conventional pile wrapping and pressure treatment, but virtually eliminates each of their inherent weak points, e.g., staples, nails, banding, seams, and chemical leaching. This new technology allows a continuous polymer sleeve to seamlessly encapsulate a structural wooden core. TimberGuard polymer protected wood is the best example of this method.
For years, groups ranging from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the U.S Navy have tried to restrict the levels of oxygen getting to marine timber to extend the performance life of pilings. Until recently, pile wrapping provided the best solution. Today TimberGuard is the most modern and effective method of protecting timber against the harsh marine environment.
TimberGuard provides the benefits of wrapping to the entire pile and eliminates the weak points in the system. Full encapsulation does not bond to the wooden core, allowing independent expansion and contraction inside the polymer membrane. This means the effectiveness of the seal does not rely on tension, which inevitably fluctuates, nor is the polymer protection susceptible to cracking during freeze thaw cycles. Full encapsulation eliminates seams and fasteners, which are the common failure points. Furthermore, the protected structural system is created as a single unit, in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, eliminating the need for on site installation, where quality control is difficult at best.
TimberGuard provides the best defense against borers and other decomposers by limiting entry into the wooden core, and effectively suffocating whatever life may be within, through the restriction of oxygen and light.
The Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory suggests "In areas where repairs of chemically treated piling are soon required, it may be advisable to install pre-wrapped, treated bearing piling to avoid potentially catastrophic delays in wrapping." While the traditional wrapping of pressure treated wood is currently an acceptable option in many locations, it is not always a feasible solution, and is in most cases a temporary one. Prevention is always better than treatment in the field. The most effective method of limiting light and oxygen to timber and thus significantly increasing the survival rate of structural timber in water is TimberGuard.
CMI Waterfront SolutionsTM
The New Vision of Waterside LifeTM
CMI Waterfront Solutions is the leading choice for marine contractors and engineers across the US and around the world. We offer a complete line of waterfront solutions including seawalls, docks, piers, and gangways. www.cmiwaterfront.com
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See the original story at: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/05/prweb522155.htm
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