Ekki belongs to risk class 4 concerning biological agents (fungi, beetles and termites, Standard n° 335-1).
In conditions of normal usage it can last for more than 50 years.
The absence of maintenance should be compared with the cost of that bridges made from wood from local tree species. There are no particular precautions needed such as the ventilation of parts and the protection of horizontal wood (gutters, etc).
CONSTRUCTIONS
The main carrying beams can be in solid and up to 10 m long, after this length beams are joined. The mechanical characteristics of Ekki allow up to 20% of inferior strength woods such as European Oak to be used in structures. The supports can be made up of bracing beams and joists up to 10 m in height.A layer of
is applied to the wood
guaranteeing the maintenance of its natural colour for several years.
Without this, the wood becomes dull in appearance after 6 months of utilisation (true for all woods)
however, its durability is not affeected.The hardness of the wood is a barrier to vandalism as it is difficult to mark. The bridge floor can be fixed in such a way as to render it difficult to dismantle..
PLANKS
Planks are proposed in groove Ekki. There is also the option of other species to chose from such as Angelim, Vermeilho, Missanda, Bankirai and Opepe.ANTI-SKIDDING
A
containing a fine gravel is proposed as an option. The product is guaranteed for 5 years
even for intensive use.
PARAPETS:
The height of the railings is defined in function of the height of the fall,type of usage (pedestrians, horse riders) and the current regulations in force. All variations are possible, from a simple handrail to a more elaborate version with a vertical rung or crosspieces, If one wishes to reduce the visual impact, railings can be made up of horizontal cables held with a wooden handrail.FIXING:
Bolts and Hinges are galvanised or in inox 304 or 316 according to the harshness of the area in question (for example salty air).