HistoricSpecs

Wood Research and Development (WRD) serves owners and stewards of heritage timber bridges, including covered bridges, mills, and historic timber buildings with disciplined inspection, testing, and engineering that prioritizes retention of original fabric before replacement is considered. Field teams conduct timber structure inspections supported by invasive, non-destructive evaluation techniques and limited core sampling so decisions rest on measured evidence rather than assumption. WRD’s IAS-accredited laboratory, accredited for over 30 years, evaluates wood strength, density, buoyancy, and species identification at the cellular level, guiding repair scopes that respect historic material. When reinforcement is required, WRD applies Dr. Dan Tingley’s patented FiRP® fiber technologies to extend service life and increase load capacity while maintaining structural integrity and appearance.