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foundations. The overall pile costs can be reduced by using fewer pile

bents~ spaced at greater intervals. but this requires longer stringers.

The practical maximum span depends on the material strength of the

stringers and the standard sizes available. The decking is often timber

planking which is placed diagonally for a lateral bracing effect. Fixed

docks are designed as rigid frameworks and require tight connections.

If the connections loosen bec.ause of fatigue. wood member shrinkage. or

deterioration. artificial hinges can develop that quickly destroy the

struc.tural integrity of the system.

Fenders for fixed docks usually consist of vertical wood rub

strips. The rub strip should be smooth faced so that the gunwale or

rub rails of a berthed boat can slide up and down smoothly. Other types

of fixed dock fenders include vertical plastic tubes. fender piles.

and. dolphins.