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I intend to build an exterior wooden ramp that has some curves with about a 9-foot radius. Ideally, the beams that support the decking on the ramp would be curved as well–using laminated ipe that would be glued up on-site. Has any one else built a similar project? I haven’t used ipe before, and don’t know how well it bends. I’m also looking for glue suggestions, especially when the temperature would be about 50-60 degrees. Or perhaps, someone may tell me I’m crazy.
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Ted,
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*Ted,You aren't crazy, that is, unless your customer thinks this exercise in curves will be moderately priced and you agree. Your lams will need to be pretty thin (1/4" or less) because ipe is incredibly stiff. The only glue I would consider using is resorcinol, which requires fine glue lines and therefore tons of clamps, well-machined stock, etc. Epoxies and urethanes are not strong enough in bonding for such dense wood. Ipe sinks in water. The only problem is that you must have a minimum air, wood, and glue temperature of 70 degrees F. during glue-up and for at least 10 hours after. Can you tent and heat, or garage and heat?It sounds like a cool project. Repost when it is done. And bid it high enough to make a decent wage.Bill
*if you switch your beam material to SYP pressure treated... or teak... you could increase the thickness of the laminates to about 1/2" and you could change to epoxy.... wipe either material down with acetone to prep..... use the decking of your choice..those woods and the epoxy will give you a little more leeway....another good decay resistant species is luan.... and it is strong, will bond well with epoxy.. and is relatively supple...also... luan is readily available in SE 1x4 which will lend itself to some pretty hefty laid up beams....
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Actually, this is a project for me. There are 28 uneven steps down to my front door, and I want to be able to wheel things up and down, but given that it's my project and not my livelihood, it may take a while. I may have to rethink the beam material or wait until summer. Or build a garage big enough--that's it. Any idea how much the ipe would spring back after it's laminated?
*Hmm, I'll have to look into that. Cedar is so prevalent in the northwest, but its' structural properties ... oh well, it looks nice.
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Ted, Have you got a skateboard hidden somewhere? Will the lumber run parallel with the radius or perpendicular? Skip
*I have a small foot bridge to build also. The owner originally wanted a radius but talked him into a flat top with an incline on each side. This will give a raised and curved look without all the hassle. It will be about 3' above the ground at the top. It is crossing a small ditch. Just finished the fishing pier and plan on starting this bridge when it cools off......Its 102 after lunch now but supposed to cool to 97 towards end of week.....sweating on the lakeside....too hot to fish
*why not just conventional frame it with angles then hide the framing with trim boards?gabe
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I intend to build an exterior wooden ramp that has some curves with about a 9-foot radius. Ideally, the beams that support the decking on the ramp would be curved as well--using laminated ipe that would be glued up on-site. Has any one else built a similar project? I haven't used ipe before, and don't know how well it bends. I'm also looking for glue suggestions, especially when the temperature would be about 50-60 degrees. Or perhaps, someone may tell me I'm crazy.