Invention Application
- Patent Title: Adjustable Modules for Variable Depth Structures
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Application No.: US15292801Application Date: 2016-10-13
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Publication No.: US20170101748A1Publication Date: 2017-04-13
- Inventor: Ashley Thrall , Theodore P. Zoli, III , Yao Wang
- Applicant: University of Notre Dame du Lac , HNTB Corporation
- Main IPC: E01D6/00
- IPC: E01D6/00 ; E04C3/08 ; E01D4/00

Abstract:
This disclosure presents a new strategy for modular construction: an adjustable module. This disclosure develops a new adjustable module comprised of a four-bar linkage which can form more efficient variable depth structures. Applications can include rapidly erectable bridges, roofs, buildings, and grid shells, among others. This disclosure provides specific detail related to rapidly erectable bridge applications for variable depth arch forms. Existing rapidly erectable, steel panelized bridge systems have limited material efficiency as they are comprised of rigid modules in a girder-type configuration. This disclosure shows that the module can form variable depth three- and two-hinged arches which increase the material efficiency. The module and other arch components can be made of standard rolled steel sections, thereby forming a versatile, kit-of-parts systems.
Public/Granted literature
- US10190271B2 Adjustable modules for variable depth structures Public/Granted day:2019-01-29
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