The Summit Bechtel Reserve is an 11,000-acre outdoor training facility in Fayette and Raleigh counties, West Virginia, operated by Scouting America. The property serves as the permanent home to the National Scout Jamboree, offering high-adventure activities, leadership training, and programming to the scouts and various groups hosted at the facilities.
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
Within the Summit Bechtel Reserve sits a crossing and landmark feature, the CONSOL Energy Bridge. Spanning nearly 800 feet and suspended 100 feet above a ravine, this pedestrian-only suspension bridge was designed to resemble the tip of an eagle’s wing.
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
The bridge connects the Scott Summit Center with Camps A and B and features observation platforms at its peaks. It is engineered to support thousands of pedestrians during special events, including the National Scout Jamboree.
Source: Strongwell Corporation
| Technical data |
| Product: |
Pedestrian Bridge Decking |
| Process: |
Pultrusion, Extrusion |
| Materials & Sizes: |
- STRONGDEK® Ultra High Performance Composite Decking System with Beachwood Top Cap
- EXTREN® Series 525 Structural Shapes:
|
| For: |
CONSOL Energy Bridge |
| User: |
Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, Glen Jean, WV |
During the bridge’s original construction, Strongwell provided DURAGRID® fiberglass grating for the flanking walkways, which curve above and below the main walkway. The 15-foot-wide primary walking surface, meanwhile, was built using locally sourced lumber, with wooden support members connecting it to the bridge’s steel superstructure.
However, during a recent refurbishment cycle, it was determined that all wooden components needed to be replaced.
With durability and longevity as key priorities, Strongwell was asked to deliver a composite-focused solution.
For the walking surface, Strongwell recommended its award-winning STRONGDEK®, an ultra-high-performance structural composite decking system designed for commercial, residential, and aquatic applications.
To replace the deteriorating wooden structure, EXTREN® square tubes were selected and attached to the bridge’s steel framework using FRP clip angles and 316 stainless steel fasteners.
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
Strongwell’s proposed solution streamlined the installation process and significantly reduced future maintenance requirements.
The contractor noted the simplicity of the installation, citing exceptional consistency in product quality and ease of manufacturing and installation. The end user praised the products for their light weight, strength, and expected durability over time.
In the event of damage to any walking surfaces or a desire for future aesthetic changes, STRONGDEK’s snap-on top cap can be removed and replaced with basic hand tools while the structural plank remains in place. This two-part deck board ensures minimal downtime and maximum safety, as no structural components need to be removed.
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
Image Credit: Strongwell Corporation
Following the completion of the refurbishment project, Rob Seiter (Manager of Facilities) remarked on the seamless installation process and noted how well the almost 13,000 square feet of STRONGDEK decking material complemented the bridge’s aesthetic wing tip design.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Strongwell Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit Strongwell Corporation.