Abstract:
An arch bridge system including first and second side walls, a foundation, and arch beams. The first and second side walls each include side wall sections supported by the foundation and aligned along the width of the system. Adjacent side wall sections form a column therebetween that defines an interior void extending along a height of the column. A first end of each arch beam is supported at the first side wall at an upper portion of one of the columns and a second end is supported at the second side wall at an upper portion of another one of the columns. Each interior void has reinforced concrete forming cast-in-place columns defining rigid, fixed, monolithic connections between the foundation, the first and second side walls, and the plurality of arch beams. A method of producing an arch bridge system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
One embodiment described herein provides a photovoltaic roof module. The roof module can include at least a first photovoltaic roof tile, a second photovoltaic roof tile positioned adjacent to the first photovoltaic roof tile, and a spacer coupled to and positioned between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles. The spacer is configured to facilitate a semi-rigid joint between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles.
Abstract:
A method of producing a precast concrete bridge and headwall assembly including casting a reinforced concrete bridge unit having a top wall connecting opposite side walls; positioning the bridge unit with a first side supported by a horizontal casting surface, wherein the top wall is positioned adjacent a framing unit for the headwall; forming a precast concrete headwall on the casting surface adjacent the top wall with a series of earth anchors at laterally spaced intervals along the top wall between the side walls, each earth anchor formed with: a) a body member extending outward from the headwall to the top wall; and b) a foot member extending laterally outward from the body member engaged on the top wall and including an upper surface generally parallel to the top wall; and removing the headwall and earth anchors as a unit from the bridge unit.
Abstract:
A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arched formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.
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.
Abstract:
A method of producing a precast concrete bridge and headwall assembly, includes the steps of casting a reinforced concrete bridge unit having a top wall connecting opposite side walls, releasably attaching a series of counterfort forms to the top wall of the bridge unit at laterally spaced intervals between the side walls, and positioning the bridge unit with a first side supported by a horizontal casting surface, wherein the top wall is positioned adjacent a casting framework and a bottom edge of the counterfort forms is located adjacent the casting framework. The method further includes precasting a concrete headwall unit onto the casting surface, precasting a series of counterfort members into the counterfort forms before the headwall has completely hardened, removing the series of counterfort forms from the top wall of the bridge unit; and removing the headwall and counterfort members as a unit from the bridge unit.
Abstract:
This invention concerns an arch structure. In particular, the invention relates to an arch structure comprised of at least two segments which are rotatably linked to each other via hinges or equivalent means to form a continuous bendable chain of attached segments. The segments have magnets above the rotatable or hinged link on opposed end faces, positioned to oppose magnets on confronting end faces of adjacent arch segments, with like poles facing one another, thereby creating a repulsion force. The repulsion force inhibits the arch segments from being brought together and into contact. Due to this effect, the aggregate of the arch segments define an arcuate path (convex upward), maintained by the repulsion forces of the magnets.
Abstract:
Through co-action between auxiliary triangular structural frames, which are each constructed at opposite ends of a truss girder or arch girder, and a cable stretched between the auxiliary triangular structural frames, an upwardly directed force is exerted to the truss girder or arch girder, thereby effectively inducing a load resisting force. A reinforcement structure of a truss bridge or arch bridge is comprised of a truss girder or arch girder, a first and a second end of which are each provided with a main triangular structural frame. The main triangular structural frame is provided at an inner side thereof with an auxiliary triangular structural frame. The auxiliary triangular structural frame is joined at vertexes thereof with frame structural elements at respective sides of the main triangular structural frame. A cable extends in a longitudinal direction of the truss bridge, being stretched between a nearby part of a joined part at one of the vertexes of the auxiliary triangular structural frame on a side of the first end of the truss girder or arch girder and a nearby part of a joined part at a corresponding one of the vertexes of the auxiliary triangular structural frame on a side of the second end of the truss girder or arch girder. Deflecting structure, adapted to exert a downwardly directed force to the cable, is inserted between the cable and a lower chord of the truss girder or arch girder so as to tension the cable, and an upwardly directed force is exerted to the lower chord by a reaction force attributable to tension of the cable via the deflecting structure.
Abstract:
A tension member is provided for use in erecting structures that has an elongated body with an outer wall defining an inner space. A tendon extends from one end of the body to the other within the defined inner space. The tendon has a tension force placed upon it. Concrete material is added to the inner space to form a concrete holding member which surrounds the tendon and which is in turn surrounded by the outer wall. The concrete holding member thus contacts the tendon and, upon curing, maintains the tension force placed upon the tendon. The tension member is placed in compression when the tension force is released from the tendon. In another aspect of the present invention, an arch member is provided for use as a compression member in a bridge. The arch member has an elongated arcuate body with an outer wall defining an inner space. The inner space of the body is filled with a concrete so that the body provides support for the concrete.
Abstract:
A bridge is made from a plurality of precast arcuate spans of reinforced concrete disposed side by side between concrete facia. The facia project upwardly to an elevation above the crown of the spans. Elongated rods join the spans to each other and to the facia.