Beams and Treads

Precast Concrete Beams

Instead of "headers," "runners" and "stringers" found on wood or composite decking boardwalks, PermaTrak designs and produces reinforced, precast concrete beams. These beams are the main structural load bearing elements of the boardwalk system.


Standard beam sizes range from 10'-0'' up to 45'-0'' in length. They can be thought of as three different general sizes:

 

Beam Sizes Span Load Width Height
Small Up to 10’ H-5 Loading (10,000 lb. Vehicle) 7" 9.5"
Medium 10’ - 20’ H-10 Loading (20,000 lb. Vehicle) 11" 14"
Large 20’ - 45’ ??? Beam depth can vary. Contact us for specific design information.

 

Note: Depending on the project site and project requirements, beam spacing should be coordinated with the foundation type for the most economical boardwalk design. Set up an appointment with our engineering team to evaluate your options.

Potential for top down construction is available with all of these beam size options.


Precast Concrete Treads

On a conventional boardwalk system, these components are referred to as “planks” or “boards.” PermaTrak treads are reinforced, precast concrete members that interlock via a tongue and groove connection.

Minimum Width: 3’-9”
Maximum Widths: 15’-4” (Custom Widths Available)
Thickness: 4“ and 5.5”
Length: up to 4' (in the direction of travel)

Slip resistant textures available.

Tapered (pie-shaped) treads available for boardwalks and pedestrian bridges with curves. See layout examples.

Engineered per code requirements with standard design loads for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Heavier loads are evaluated by our engineering department.

PermaTrak treads are installed with a gap between them for water to drain. The gap is 1/8'' at the bottom and widens to 3/8'' at the top (walking surface).