UFC 4-150-07
19 June 2001
with any of these water-borne preservatives. After field treatment, the pile top
must be covered with a cap or bonnet consisting of two layers of tar saturated
fabric, tar paper, or fiberglass cloth, which shall overlap the side of the pile at
least 5 cm (2 inch) and securely fastened.
3-2.3.3
Remedial Treatment of Wood
3-2.3.3.1 Fumigants. Fumigants are used to prevent or eradicate fungal decay
of large (15 by 15 cm ( 6 by 6 inch) or greater cross-sectional area) wood
members. These products may be an available option in your area for waterfront
structures. They are highly toxic, restricted use pesticides, and can be handled
only by certified personnel. The most widely available product currently available
is applied only by the manufacturer. Generally, an inspection of the prospective
treatment site and a treatment plan is carried out by the contractor prior to actual
treatments. Consult your environmental and safety offices before using these
products.
3-2.3.3.2 Brush On. Brush on preservative pastes and bandages are
commonly used as a remedial groundline treatment for southern pine utility
poles. They may have some application to waterfront timbers. Diffusion of the
preservative ingredients into the decayed portion of the wood depends on the
moisture in the wood. Typically, the level of preservative penetration and long-
term efficacy of these products is less than that of fumigants.
3-2.3.3.3 Liquid Internal. Liquid internal treatments are sometimes used when
voids and cavities are present in wood. This treatment is not generally
recommended for waterfront timbers. If voids and cavities are present, replacing
the wood member is advisable.
3-2.3.3.4 Solid Rod. Solid rod treatments commercially available today are
fused borate rods available in a variety of sizes. They are relatively easy and
safe to handle. Like brush on pastes and preservative bandages, diffusion of the
borate in these rods depends on wood moisture and the level of preservative
penetration and long-term efficacy of these products is less than that of
fumigants.
3-2.3.3.5 Encasements and Retardants. Two methods are available to protect
timber pile tops by using encasements and retardants. They include:
Remedial Treatment with Fumigant Vials. Commercial fumigant
vials are embedded in the cut top of timber piles and slowly leach
into the pile to retard and prevent rot. Holes are bored in the top of
the pile, vials inserted, and the holes plugged with hardwood. See
Figure 3-2. A pile cap can be installed (see following bulleted
paragraph) after fumigants are applied. This method is useful
where the pile top is accessible and subject to wetting by rain or
spray. These are restricted use pesticides; application of fumigants
3-9
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