Evaluated in this paper is the repair of timber bridge piles by posting and epoxy grouting. The repair procedure consists of cutting out the damaged pile section and replacing it with a new section. After spiking the new section in place, the joints are epoxy-injected to form a permanent bond. The first phase of the study consisted of laboratory testing of repaired pile sections in both compression and bending. Full axial compression strength could be restored through the repair process~ however, the ultimate bending strength could only be restored to typical allowable stress values. Flexural stiffness could also be restored to expected values for undamaged piles. To study the durability and long-term effects of the repair procedure, a field repair was also initiated. On a low-volume bridge located in a Louisiana national forest, three piles were repaired and instrumented. After 2 years, no significant movement or deterioration has been observed.

One of the most common types of bridge support is the timber pile. Piles are found extensively on short span, low-volume bridges and have been widely used over the last 40 years. Nationwide, many of these older bridges have piles that have been seriously weakened by decay or insect attack. Typically, dscay occurs at or above the average waterline and is associated with cyclic wetting and drying, while insect attack usually occurs below the waterline. Many of these bridges are in good condition and still functional except for significant damage to a relatively small number of the pile supports. A method of repair for such piles that is both structurally sound and cost effective would significantly extend the life of these bridges.