Truss Bridge vs. Boardwalk System for Your Pedestrian Bridge Project

When designing a pedestrian bridge that crosses a wetland, creek, or stream, designers are faced with a choice—should you specify a truss bridge or a boardwalk system? Taking it one step further, what if the section of the trail you’re designing for is located in a remote area? I heard this question from a designer recently and thought I’d summarize my thoughts here…

First, it’s important to keep in mind that there are applications best suited for truss bridges, and there are applications best suited for boardwalk systems. Especially when it comes to pedestrian bridge design, there is no shortage of options for the engineer or landscape architect of record.

Hopefully what I’m sharing below helps you find the best solution for your project.

PermaTrak Boardwalk and Observation Deck at Mercy Park – Joplin, MO

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Patrick Ptomey from MESA Design Group in their Dallas, TX office. Patrick is a landscape designer who works on a full range of projects, from senior living, to campus planning, parks, commercial development, and more.

We talked with Patrick about planning inclusive playgrounds, critical steps and challenges in the design process, and the importance of taking the initiative to collaborate and gain experience in the world of landscape design.

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Jonathan Campbell from Kimley-Horn in their Frisco, TX office. Jonathan is a landscape architect who works on a full range of projects, from single-family to commercial.

We talked with Jonathan about how he approaches design, tips for being successful in the landscape architecture world, the Windsong Ranch project, and more.

Using PermaTrak Wedge Panels for Boardwalks with Sharp Turns or Curves

If you’re considering designing a boardwalk or elevated trail with curves or sharp turns, you might be concerned about cost, design limitations, or engineering roadblocks.

Not only is PermaTrak an excellent option for your boardwalk due to its durability and lack of required maintenance, but PermaTrak concrete boardwalks are also versatile in terms of horizontal alignment changes.

Generally speaking, curves, sharp turns or sweeping radii become more common on longer elevated trail or boardwalk segments. This could be a result of designers taking what the site gives them, it could be driven by user experience, or a combination of both. As one example: who wants to run or bike down a perfectly straight boardwalk for miles on end? Even just a simple, gradual curve can break up the monotony and improve the user’s experience.

Boardwalks and Walkovers for Florida Beaches: Permitting, Florida DEP, and Design

Many of us have traveled to Florida with friends or family to enjoy the hundreds of miles of beaches the state has to offer. The tourism industry has a $67 billion economic impact on the state of Florida, with an estimated 87.3 million visitors a year.

So it’s no surprise that enhancing public access to these beaches and providing durable structures to encourage tourist enjoyment of these beaches is a high priority for local towns and cities, as well as county and state agencies.

PermaTrak as a Pedestrian Bridge Solution

While most PermaTrak projects use the system for commercial boardwalks or multi use trail crossings, our engineering team can also provide you the support needed to create a pedestrian bridge solution for your project. 

PermaTrak Beam Span Length Q&A

We get a lot of questions to our office about what is feasible for the design of concrete boardwalks. Engineers and landscape architects often have a design in mind and want to investigate whether or not PermaTrak would be a good fit for their boardwalk or pedestrian bridge project.  

If you are thinking about including a boardwalk, pedestrian bridge or pier for your next project, the 3-minute video below is for you. When I talk with architects and engineers about their boardwalk projects, a lot of times they'll ask me, "Where do I start; what information do you need from me?"

If you are an architect or engineer designing a boardwalk or pedestrian bridge, you may have a specific clearance width in mind. The dozens of professional designers I talk with each week tell me, "I need an 8' clearance or a 10' clearance for my trail project." Does this sound familiar?

If you have reached the point of determining the structure's clear width requirement, you may be wondering, "What is the minimum width for a PermaTrak boardwalk?" or "Can a PermaTrak boardwalk be produced for a custom width?"