Bridges & Walkways.
Ekki is the ideal hardwood for building bridges because
of its superior strength and natural durability, also
much less wood is required than alternative timbers,
which in turn means that by using Ekki reduces the
pressure on the forests of the world as an active
conservation measure imposed by the Governments of
exporting countries Ekki trees are selectively logged
and only the logging of mature, large diameter trees is
permitted.
Some bridges are manufactured in kit form from Ekki
timber, these are ideal for spanning small streams and
gullies in the open countryside. When in contact with
the earth Ekki hardwood can last for over 25 years.
The beauty of Ekki hardwood is that it requires no
preservative treatment and is therefore
environmentally friendly, and at the end of its life does
not cause a disposal problem because of any outside
treatment.
Ekki is also ideal for the building of forest walkways
and pedestrian footbridges, this is because of its long
service life and extremely slow natural decay, with
immunity to many types of disease
Railway Bridge Crossing
Ekki timber is so versatile in the construction industry,
here are some examples of it being used for spanning
the full length of a railway bridge in sections of up to
eight metres in length. The timber should remain
maintenance free for up to 25 years and beyond.
No chemical wood preservatives Of increasing
concern are the long term effects of chemical wood
preservatives like (creosote, ACA, ACC, Etc.) on the
environment and public health.
With ever increasing laws this can lead to civil actions
for pollution to the environment. Ekki hardwood does
not need preservatives and is therefore benign to the
local environment, the workforce and the general
public.
Ekki hardwood grain is interlocked and irregular, it has
a course and uneven texture, this in turn gives Ekki a
high bending tensile strength and stiffness, with a high
resistance to shock and crushing.
The timber is used when great strength is required,
combined with the need for heavy wear.
Marine and Lock Gates
Meerdink have for many years manufactured timber
Lock Gates and lock gate sections at their Mill in
Holland.
Ekki and Opepe have been the timbers used for this
work as both are quality timbers and have a superior
grade and life span. The products have a high breaking
strength and can withstand tremendous pressures and
are stronger than Oak.
The Lock Gates illustrated on the web site are in Ekki
and were manufactured and installed in Driffield and
Pocklington canals. Ekki and Opepe are qualified
timbers which are maintenance free and aesthetically
and environmentally pleasing. In spite of their hardness
these timbers can be machined to a fine accurate finish
so essential to Lock Gate manufacture.
The greater use of waterways and the increase in
Marinas has proved another outlet for Ekki and Opepe
for stagings and pontoons.
The qualities of these timbers make them very suitable
when both in & out of water.