Wheeler: Committed to performance for over 100 years

In business since 1892, Wheeler has been “committed to performance” producing solutions for a variety of construction segments. Wheeler is multifaceted, providing quality building materials and related services which serve both public and private infrastructures.

Wheeler offers high-quality recreation and highway bridges, storage buildings, treated wood products, prefabricated building products and landscape supplies.

With years of experience in the design and fabrication of both timber and steel bridges, Wheeler can recommend the most efficient, cost-effective and aesthetic structure for your project. Simply provide the following information, and Wheeler will respond with the solution to your bridge needs: preferred material for construction; span length, configuration, and clearances; load requirements and intended use; soils report (for foundation design, if desired); and delivery date and location. Complete foundation design is available when site and soil information is provided.

Various types of recreation bridges are available to golf courses, including steel, timber, FRP (fiberglass) and covered bridges.

Steel recreation bridges
Prefabricated steel bridges are ideal for recreation and low-volume vehicular applications. The efficiency of the truss design maximizes material properties. The bridges are shop-manufactured with primarily welded connections, and then shipped to the site ready for installation.

Typical designs allow for clear spans from 20 to 225 feet in single or multiple span configurations. Clear spans up to 100 feet can be fabricated and shipped as one piece if contractor capabilities and site considerations allow. Longer spans are built with field splices and shipped as multiple sections. These bridges are best suited for clear widths from six to 12 feet. Widths less than six feet should only be considered for short spans, and bridges wider than 12 feet (clear between railings) may require a longitudinal field splice, increasing the installed cost.

All Wheeler bridges are custom-designed specific to the project. Our registered professional engineers seal detailed plans created by our staff of drafters for applications nationwide. Foundation design is available if site and soil information are provided.

Wheeler maintains AISC certification for simple and major steel bridges. Bridges are fabricated at AISC-certified facilities by AWS-certified welders to ensure quality. Wheeler offers nationwide delivery, installation in one day and maintenance-free weathering steel or painted finish is available. Many truss styles are available, such as Pratt, Bowstring, Warren, etc. Treated timber, tropical hard wood, asphalt or concrete decking is also available.

Timber recreation bridges
Wheeler timber recreation bridges offer the durability and serviceability expected of a permanent bridge structure.

With a variety of designs to choose from, Wheeler can provide a timber bridge to enhance your project. Designed as a field-installed kit or fully shop-assembled, Wheeler reviews the material options for each component and then selects the appropriate combination of strength, durability and economy. Available span lengths vary according to bridge type. Timber bridges are compatible with all bridge foundations.

Designed as a kit, Wheeler’s timber stringer recreation bridge is ready for the most remote location or the middle of town. You can choose from standard plans or dress it up with optional railings. Everything is included to complete the job.

To accommodate heavier vehicles more efficiently or to build small spans in fewer pieces, Wheeler relies on the proven timber Panel-Lam. Technology long used for highway bridges provides the platform for many recreation applications.

Timber truss designs have been used for centuries. Wheeler’s modern techniques combine timber with internal steel connectors to produce a spatial truss with a striking appearance. With the ability to handle pedestrians and light vehicles, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your next project.

The elegance of engineered wood provides the basis of the timber trussed arch. The dynamic curves of a glued laminated arch are subtly complimented with steel and hardware. Tall enough to provide clearance under the overhead bracing, the design invites people to pass through and experience the complex engineering.

FRP (fiberglass) recreation bridges
Wheeler has teamed with Strongwell to provide bridge kits manufactured with Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite. Wheeler’s background in the design and supply of recreation bridges and Strongwell’s industry leading experience as an FRP manufacturer provides a proven combination.

Individual components of the FRP truss bridge are light enough to be hand carried. All components are shop fabricated (cut and drilled), marked and packaged for delivery. Kits can be partially or completely pre-assembled depending on site access.
FRP stringer bridge designs provide for faster assembly with fewer components. Even 30-foot stringers weigh less than 500 pounds. FRP railing packages are available and can be customized to the project.

FRP bridge kits include:
• All required hardware
• Decking: treated wood, naturally durable wood, wood/plastic composite, FRP grating
• Detailed plans sealed by professional engineer
• Single or multiple span configurations
• Loadings: pedestrian, equestrian, maintenance vehicles
• Foundation design available when site and soil information is provided
FRP advantages
• Lightweight components: ideal for remote sites
• Corrosion-resistant: long service life
• Pre-fabricated kits: easy assembly

Covered recreation bridges
Made from treated timber or steel, Wheeler has many styles of covered recreation bridges. Custom designs are always available.
Typical recreation bridges are eight to 12 feet wide. This is compatible with covered bridges that should appear long and slender.
Many trails are in remote areas where the bridge can double as shelter in poor weather conditions.

The traditional timber lattice truss, with its complex structure, is a popular project centerpiece. Steel truss designs with overhead bracing are the perfect platform for a roof. Most styles are delivered as components or completely shop fabricated.
For over 100 years, Wheeler has evolved with changes in ownership and various products and services, but the direction has been clear … stay “committed to performance.”
www.wheeler-con.com
800.328.3986