Composite Decking as Sustainable Alternative to Timber Decking in Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves
Intro / Background This report has been developed in response to the request for proposals on developing solutions for engineering problems. In 1993, Sungei Buloh (SB) Wetland officially opened as a nature park. Subsequently renamed SB Wetland Reserve to reflect its nature conservation status. SB is a mangrove swamp rich in biodiversity and it also acts as a carbon sink making its conservation important. Managed by the National Park Board (NParks) of Singapore, NParks has continued its efforts in conserving and expanding the wetlands with multiple public trails and an education centre. To support the extensive trails wood decking are used for the boardwalks. Lumber was the material of choice as it assimilates well to the mangrove and is solid structural material. Lumber was also made viable from the 2000s to mid 2010s with its affordable price only surging in recent years as seen in Figure 1 (Trading Economics, 2021). However, the timber decking is deteriorating over the years cracks, ...