Loading dock bumper

[Cal Noguchi]

I’ve been asked to replace a wooden bumper attached to a loading dock. The existing bumper is one piece of wood 3 ½” thick by 7 ½” high and 12 feet wide. It’s held on with threaded studs extruding from the concrete (I’m not sure how it’s inserted). I’m thinking of replacing it with 3 – 2 X 8 X 12’ boards laminated with liquid nails and screws, with the first piece attached to the concrete with concrete anchors. Would this work as well as the 1 piece? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Karl Brogger]

I'd find a railroad tie(sp), and just use that. Use a chain saw with a chain you don't care about to get it to size.

[Matt Evans]

Yes, that will work. Go pressure treated, and you really don't need the liquid nails. Just drill holes every 12", staggered top and bottom, counter bore them, and use 5 1/2" carriage bolts to make the three boards one big laminated beam.

I've done similar to this on a loading dock before.

[Cal Noguchi]

Thanks for the info!