Abstract: In a device that can be walked on or driven on, for example for bridging under bridges requiring renovation or for bridging over streets, a web that can be walked on is connected to handrails via transverse struts. In this case, the web that can be walked on and/or the transverse struts and/or the handrails comprise extruded aluminum profiles.

Abstract: A trough bridge is composed of a plurality of interconnected bridge sections each formed of a roadway deck segment and side wall segments located at opposite sides of the roadway deck segment. An articulation for pivotally attaching the side wall segments to each roadway deck segment includes spaced and aligned first hinge sleeves affixed to the roadway deck segment; a separate first hinge recess defined next to each first hinge sleeve; spaced and aligned second hinge sleeves affixed to the side wall segments; and a separate second hinge recess defined next to each second hinge sleeve. In an assembled state the first hinge sleeves are received in respective second hinge recesses and the second hinge sleeves are received in respective first hinge recesses. The first and second hinge sleeves are in alignment with one another. A hinge pin passes through the first and second hinge sleeves for pivotally joining the side wall segments to the roadway deck segment.

Abstract: An elevated walkway platform comprising at least one elongated platform module positioned in a generally horizontal attitude and being supported above a work area. The platform module comprises a substantially flat deck having side walls or toe boards extending upwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A flange extends horizontally outwardly from the upper end of each of the toe boards. A plurality of transversely extending strengthening ribs are molded integrally with the module and are positioned beneath the deck for strengthening purposes. A pair of longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may also be provided at the underside of the deck at the opposite sides thereof. The strengthening ribs are filled with a rigid foam material. The module is also provided with handrail post supports positioned at the exterior surface of the toe boards and which are adapted to receive a handrail post therein. The entire module is constructed of a one-piece, molded plastic material reinforced with fiberglass.

Abstract: Bearing shoes that run under the abutment's axis with cradles whose precast walls are placed over the bearing shoe assembly, so that when the concrete is poured over these bearing shoes, an integral unit of the bearing shoe integrated with the cradle is formed. For the walls, TT (double T) sections are used, which consist of precast elements of reinforced and/or pre-stressed concrete, that are able to resist the horizontal and vertical forces that could act over the bridge's abutments. These TT sections are used as abutments, wings and gravity retaining walls; as central piers, precast elements of columns with caps are used, in which rectangular-section beams are simply supported with their integrated bents. Occasionally, when the vehicles access embankment or earth fills to the bridge allow it, the abutment is anchored in order to avoid its horizontal thrust, as reinforced earth.

Abstract: A bridge structure includes a light-weight, corrosion-resistant, readily installed bridge deck formed of modular deck panels spliced to each other on site. The deck panels are preferably shop-fabricated by longitudinal welding of adjacently placed multi-void elongate structural elements. Longitudinally adjacent elongate elements are spliced by providing internally disposed shear elements prior to longitudinal welding of adjacent spliced elongate elements, with the end joints between spliced elongate elements being arrayed in a staggered manner. A safety rail system is mounted to run alongside and above outer edges of the finished bridge deck mounted to a system of support girders.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load-bearing members, a plurality of secondary load-bearing members, a plurality of tertiary load-bearing members, a first rod member extending through the lower part of the tertiary load-bearing members and through the primary load-bearing members for locking purposes, and a second rod member extending through the upper part of the tertiary load bearing members, the upper portion of the tertiary load bearing members and the second rod member designed to be encapsulated in a layer of concrete to anchor a wear layer of concrete to the weldless grating.

Abstract: A prefabricated highway with end supports. The end supports include a first elongated support member for transverse engagement of a longitudinal end of the prefabricated highway section and a second elongated support member parallel to the first support member and aligned with the first member along an orthogonal axis for abutting an earth support of the prefabricated highway. The end supports further include a connecting member joining the first and second elongated members in a rigid spaced-apart relationship.The support structure is used as part of a prefabricated highway system. The prefabricated highway system uses the support structures for support of individual lane sections. The prefabricated lane sections are fabricated out of prestressed concrete and are designed to be supported longitudinally in a direction of traffic flow at each end by an upper surface of the first elongated support member of each support section.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels for use as deck components in a load supporting structure are constructed of non-metallic fibre reinforced concrete. Integral, transverse tension members are located externally adjacent the lower support surfaces of the panels and connected to the panels at their outer ends. The tension members carry compression forces applied to the panels by supporting an arching action, thereby avoiding the need to provide steel reinforcement across the entire interior of the concrete. This, in turn, reduces the risks of panel failure due to the corrosion of reinforcement steel located within the body of the concrete panel.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy bridge deck construction is disclosed with a wearing surface applied thereto. The surface of the welded-together extrusions of the bridge deck is treated so that a tight bond is formed between the wearing surface and the extrusion surface. When splicing bridge deck segments together, the joint extrusions forming part of the bridge deck include a wearing surface dam on an upper surface thereof. The wearing surface dam acts as a separator between a wearing surface previously applied to the bridge deck surface prior to its splicing and a surface which receives the wearing surface after the joint is made in the field.

Abstract: A reusable composite bridge structure permits composite strength action of steel girders and concrete deck panels in a bridge structure that is removable and reusable. The bridge comprises precast concrete deck panels, each of the panels having a plurality of holes therein extending through the panels to match stud group locations on top flanges of steel girders, the holes having smooth inside surfaces through the panels, a plurality of shear studs at each of the stud group locations extending up from the top flanges, the shear studs having removable connections to the top flanges, and concrete grout filling the holes of the deck panels and between adjacent deck panels to provide a substantially flush deck surface, the concrete grout joining the shear studs and the panels to provide composite strength action between the deck panels and the bridge girders.

Abstract: A lightweighted weldless grating comprising a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinally extending primary load bearing members, a plurality of secondary load bearing members, and a pan member positioned between the primary load bearing members and supported on the flanges adapted to contain wet concrete, the pan member having a portion thereof extending upwardly against the lower edge of the secondary load bearing member to maintain the secondary load bearing members in web slots in the primary load bearing members, thereby forming the weldless grating.

Abstract: A system and method for the installation of prefabricated composite structural members is disclosed. The system utilizes deck panels which have a plurality of structural member pairs attached to the underside such that a series of channels are formed. Bored through each deck panel is a plurality of access holes that project through the panel and into one of said channels. Thus, installers can access underlying bridge girders from the surface of the deck panels thereby allowing for top-side installation. The system also provides a top-side vertically adjusting device for raising or lowering the deck panels to allow for the top-side installation of shimming devices.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising primary, secondary tertiary members wherein top and bottom slots in the secondary load bearing member form a locking engagement with the web surrounding openings in the primary load bearing members, the secondary load bearing members having secondary downwardly extending slots through the upper edge, the slots having an upper portion extending downwardly from the upper edge and a lower portion located below the upper portion, the upper portion having a first extent and the lower portion having a second extent, the first extent being greater than the second extent.

Abstract: A loading dock leveler adapted for being supported for pivotal movement on a loading dock to provide a pathway between the dock and a vehicle being loaded or unloaded includes a ramp formed of a generally flat plate deck member having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel, channel cross section beams welded to the underside of the deck member and extending between a distal side edge of the deck member and a side edge which is disposed adjacent the loading dock. Plural spaced apart pairs of hinge members are welded to the deck member and to the beams at the distal side edge of the deck member and a truss structure including somewhat V-shaped struts extend between the hinge members and are welded to the hinge members and the deck member to provide a lightweight, rigid and durable support structure for minimizing deflection of the deck member and failure of a hinge connection between the ramp and a dock leveler lip member.

Abstract: A ramp system made up of any selected member ramp sections connected together, end to end, by stands. The ramp sections have depending flanges at each end that engage retaining rails in the stands. The height of the rails in the stands can be varied to accommodate the terrain spanned by the system.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load bearing members having an upper portion having an upper edge, a lower portion and a first web located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the primary load bearing member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings in the first web, the openings in each of the primary load bearing members being aligned with the openings in adjacent primary load bearing members, the openings having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion having a protuberance extending from the first web into the opening, and a plurality of secondary load bearing members having an upper edge and a lower edge and a secondary web between the upper edge and lower edge, the secondary load bearing members provided with secondary slots in the secondary web.

Abstract: A system and method for installing metal deck framing. One or more deck panels are secured with respect to and between two elongated structural framing members to form a deck panel structure. The deck panel structure is then positioned between two primary structural members in a position such that each structural framing member is suspended from a support arm or a support structure that is supported by a corresponding one of the primary structural members. At least each corner portion of the deck panel structure can be mechanically adjusted to vary a vertical position of the deck panel structure.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a concrete made construction comprising the steps of provisionally disposing a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction, forming holes at the lower surface of a concrete made construction, and inserting fixtures into the holes to fixate the reinforcement member onto the lower surface of a concrete made construction so that the fixture imparts tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane of the reinforcement member. For instance, a fixture includes a device for applying tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane thereof by moving at least a part of the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcement member. The invention ensures fixation of a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction such as a bridge to which repeated live loads are always applied.

Abstract: A light-weight, corrosion-resistant, readily installed bridge deck is formed of modular deck panels spliced to each other on site. Each of the deck panels is shop-fabricated by longitudinally welding flanges of adjacently placed multi-void extruded aluminum alloy structural elements. Transfer splices of longitudinally adjacent elongate elements are made by providing shear elements connecting individual elongate structural elements of each deck panel end-to-end prior to longitudinal welding of adjacent elongate elements, with the end joints between the elongate elements being arrayed in a staggered manner. A safety rail system is mounted to run alongside and above outer edges of the finished bridge deck mounted to a system of support girders.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising: (a) a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load bearing members having an upper portion, a lower portion and a web located between said upper portion and said lower portion, the primary load bearing member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings in said web, the openings in each of said primary load bearing members being aligned with the openings in adjacent primary load bearing members; (b) a plurality of secondary load bearing members having an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary load bearing members provided with first slots extending downwardly through the upper edge to provide top slots and with upwardly extending slots through the lower edge to provide bottom slots located substantially opposite said top slots, the secondary load bearing members positioned in the aligned openings in said web of the primary load bearing members, said top and bottom slots in said secondary load bearing member forming a locking engagement with said web surrounding said ope

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural module has a cast concrete portion and a girder. The concrete portion has a reinforced deck with a reinforced load bearing a diaphragm at opposite ends. The girder extends between the diaphragms and protrudes into each diaphragm without structural connection thereto while being shear and tension coupled to the deck such that forces induced in the girder are transferred to the diaphragms via the coupling between the girder and the deck.

Abstract: This invention involves a system and method for the installation of a prefabricated composite structural members. The system utilizes deck panels which have a plurality of steel C-beam pairs attached to the underside such that a series of channels is formed. Bored through each deck panel is a plurality of access holes which projects through the panel and into one of said channels. Thus, installers can access underlying bridge girders from the surface of the deck panels thereby allowing for top-side installation. The system also provides a top-side vertically adjusting device for raising or lowering the deck panels to allow for the top-side installation of shimming devices.

Abstract: Framework for a suspension bridge of the type comprising an essentially flat main structure, the top surface of which forms the traffic lane for the transport structure crossing the bridge, anchored to a suspension system formed of a plurality of vertical hangers (6) fixed to catenary cables (5) anchored to end piers of the bridge. The framework consists of at least two parallel longitudinal box-like bodies corresponding to two runways of the bridge, reciprocally spaced by an extent equal to their transverse dimension. Said bodies have a cross section with a profile adapted to favor the proper flow of the wind stream and they are interconnected, at regular intervals, by stiff supporting transverse ledgers (4) having in turn a box-like configuration and carrying at their ends means for their anchorage to the suspension hangers (6).

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising: (a) a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load-bearing members having an upper portion, a lower portion and a web located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the primary load-bearing member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings in the web, the openings in each of the primary load-bearing members being aligned with the openings in adjacent primary load-bearing members; (b) a plurality of secondary load-bearing members having an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary load-bearing members provided with first slots extending downwardly through the upper edge to provide top slots and with upwardly extending slots through the lower edge to provide bottom slots located substantially opposite the top slots, the secondary load-bearing members positioned in the aligned openings in the web of the primary load-bearing members, the top and bottom slots in the secondary load-bearing member forming a locking engagement with the web surrounding the openings in t

Abstract: A portable bridge system formed from at least a pair of substantially rectangular bridge platforms positioned in side-by-side relationship including end locking plates for locking the platforms together at the end regions thereof. The invention further includes shear plates integral with, and spaced along, a side edge of the bridge platform for engagement with an adjacent bridge platform to resist transverse shear forces between adjacent bridge platforms.

Abstract: An overpass bridge that can be used to replace an existing bridge and provide increased clearance over an existing roadway includes two opposed reinforced concrete edge beams positioned above and on either side of the deck surface. The inside wall of each edge beam is configured as parapet wall. The edge beams and the deck slab are post-tensioned with longitudinal tendons anchored at each end of the bridge. The bridge is built using an aligned series of precast concrete segments extending between the bridge abutments. Each segment has a set of transverse tendons extending from lower portions of one edge beam, through the deck slab, to a lower portion of the opposite edge beam. The bridge can be built in a step-by-step process. First, the segments are precast and longitudinal erection beams are extended between the abutments on which the bridge is to be built. The superstructure segments are transported across longitudinal erection beams to their final positions.

Abstract: A suspension bridge having end piers from which the bridge is suspended. The bridge has a substantially fixed stiff horizontal branch (P1) and a substantially flexible horizontal branch (P2). Each bridge branch (P1, P2) comprises three parallel longitudinally extending mutually spaced box-like bodies comprising a central body (S1) and two lateral bodies (S2, S3). Transverse ledgers (T) are located at regular intervals along the bridge and interconnect the three bodies. There is a gap between the two bridge branches (P1, P2) and in the gap there is a central body section (S1') fixedly interconnecting the central longitudinal bodies (S1) of the two bridge branches (P1, P2). Also in the gap there are two lateral body sections (S") extending between and slidable relative to the lateral bodies (S2, S3) of the two bridge branches (P1, P2). A vertical hinge joint, also in the gap, interconnects the bridge branches (P1, P2) and lies on the central longitudinal axis of the bridge.

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders and a deck unit attached thereto. The deck unit may comprise a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders, with each composite unit having a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. In one method, the structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. In a second method, the structure is formed by positioning the girders in their normal operating position such that they are supported on opposite ends, and then providing a support for a center portion of the girders such that at least a portion of the lower edges of the girders are placed in compression.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building bridges from one location to another, and in which the construction activity takes place primarily at such terminal locations. Forms are assembled at one of the locations, such forms establishing the characteristics of the bridge deck to be built. When the forms are completed, they are elevated and suspended upon cables passing between the two locations. The forms are then pulled from one location toward the other, sequentially engaging with previously built and positioned forms until an entire complement of such forms extends between the two locations. The forms are then filled with concrete and finished. The forms provide an exterior finished surface for the bridge structure.

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A slump-resistant, curable polymer concrete composition, suitable for coating onto a concrete surface or an asphalt surface to resurface same, comprising (a) 5 to 95 weight percent of an aggregate at least 20 percent of which has a minimum particle dimension of 1/16 inch or greater, (b) 5 to 95 weight percent of a curable polymer composition containing an ethylenically unsaturated polymer containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the molecule and carbon-bonded carboxyl groups or carbon-bonded hydroxyl groups or both in the molecule, (c) an effective amount of a curing catalyst effective to initiate the curing of the polymer, and (d) at least one reactive, time-delay thickener comprising (1) a Group IIA metal oxide or hydroxide in the amount of 0.1 to 20 equivalents per carbon-bonded carboxyl group of the polymer, the Group IIA metal oxide or hydroxide being reactive with the carboxyl groups of the polymer to thicken said polymer concrete composition and/or (2) a polyisocyanate in the amount of 0.

Abstract: A form decking apparatus for use in paving concrete decking on bridges, which apparatus includes multiple elongated form channels oriented on conventional, adjustable cross supports or "whalers" extending between concrete or steel bridge beams, with T-plates spanning the spaces between the form channels to facilitate pouring concrete on the T-plates and form channels. In a preferred embodiment the form channels are deployed on the whalers by means of roller assemblies bolted to the whalers to facilitate minimum risk in traversing the beams and whalers by workmen. In another preferred embodiment of the invention each of the form channels is fitted with a pair of form release bolts which thread into corresponding release nuts welded to the form channels, to release the form channels and the T-plates from the poured and cured concrete decking on the bridge when the whalers are adjusted away from the form channels.

Abstract: A prefabricated bridge beam with prestressed elements comprising a rectangular girder-box assembly which includes a bottom plate prestressed in compression and a pair of upstanding side members each having their upper portions prestressed in tension and a poured and cured bridge deck supported by the said side members where the cured deck secures in place the said tension and compression stresses.

Abstract: A support plate for bridges and ramps having a roadway or a walkway has two longitudinal supports defining lateral sides of the support plate in the longitudinal direction of the support plate. A plurality of transverse members having acting surfaces constituting the roadway or walkway and having a first and a second free end is connected with the first and the second free ends to the longitudinal supports so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to one another. Each of the acting surfaces is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction and displaced by an increment of displacement with respect to neighboring ones of the acting surfaces in a stepwise manner over the height of the lateral sides.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising a plurality of longitudinal load bearing members, secondary load bearing members and/or tertiary load bearing members having a rod extending through the tertiary load bearing members and primary load bearing members locking the tertiary load bearing members in slots in the secondary load bearing members and locking the secondary load bearing members in slots in the primary load bearing members to form the grating.

Abstract: A reduced-weight bridge deck having a plurality of areas which are void of concrete to provide a lower dead load force and to reduce the product costs. The bridge deck includes structural support bars, post-tensioning ducts and a concrete component. Concrete component has spaced downwardly projecting protrusions which laterally distribute forces and permit the ability of providing areas void of concrete therebetween. The post-tensioning ducts are located within and extend through the downwardly projecting protrusions. The strength of deck is achieved by placing the tendons within the ducts. The tendons are tightened and anchored to the ends of the deck to prestress the concrete component. The unique section design and the post-tensioning eliminates the need for reinforcing bars which can deteriorate and contribute to structural failures. Methods for manufacturing the bridge deck from precast panels and by cast-in-place sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant shear connector for attaching a bridge deck to a top flange of a girder. The shear connector includes a shear resistor attached to the top flange. A portion of the shear resistor extends upward from the top flange into the bridge deck to cause composite cooperation between the bridge deck and the girder. A resilient spacer is juxtapositioned with top flange and at least one friction plate underlies the top flange. An adjustable fastener attaches between the friction plate and the shear resistor to draw the friction plate and the shear resistor together against the top flange to compress the resilient spacer and firmly attach the shear connector to the girder with a desired amount of force to resist fatigue forces without reducing the strength of the girder.

Abstract: A prefabricated metal deck form to provide bridge deck construction and/or bridge deck replacement. The construction is simplified to both shorten construction time and to save on construction costs. The deck form, including a concrete slab is sufficient to sustain both dead loads and heavy, live loads on a bridge.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device which, when inserted and affixed to an open grid deck spaces of an open grid bridge, provides increased traction for trespassing motor vehicles. The invention also pertains to methods of affixing the traction providing devices in various spacial arrangements.

Abstract: Advantageously, the present invention also facilitates a unique method for post-tensioning segmental viaduct structures, for rapid transit use or otherwise, wherein post-tensioning cables do not follow load diagrams but instead follow uniform paths through each viaduct segment. In this way, each viaduct segment need not be specially fabricated to accommodate uniquely positioned cables.

Abstract: A method of constructing a bridge using a two step composite construction process. In the first step, the region to be spanned is bridged with precast prestressed concrete elements that are designed as beams and complete permanent formwork to carry the dead load of the bridge, to provide a high density concrete protective shell giving a greater degree of protection against deterioration from the elements and to provide a very high quality of finish and architectural design, to provide a complete working platform for construction, and to eliminate the need for temporary scaffolding and formwork. In the second step, additional poured in place concrete is cast into the spaces created by the precast elements and serves as beams, post-tensioned to carry the live loads of the bridge.

Abstract: A support plate for a bridge or ramp with a drive lane has two longitudinal supports forming lateral sides of the support plate. A plurality of transverse members is arranged parallel to one another and connected between the two longitudinal supports. The transverse members have an upper surface forming the drive lane. The transverse members are hollow and have a quadrangular cross-section. The transverse members have a first and a second sidewall, whereby the second sidewalls face the first sidewalls of neighboring ones of the transverse members. At least one angle member is connected to each second sidewall, the angle member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg rests at an is fixedly connected to the second sidewall and the second leg projects laterally from the second sidewall for supporting the neighboring transverse member.

Abstract: A transportable bridge having longitudinal sides, includes plural bridge sections connected in series and presenting first and last bridge sections in the series. Each said bridge section in the series includes a deck slab extending across a width of the bridge and having front and rear transverse ends, and an inverted triangular truss on each longitudinal side of the bridge. Each truss has a lower corner portion and an oppositely disposed top beam. The lower corner portion of the truss is connected to the rear transverse end of the deck slab and additionally to the front transverse end of the deck slab of an adjacent following bridge section in the series of bridge sections. The top beam of the truss of the bridge section is connected to the top beam of the adjacent following bridge section thus forming a trough-shaped bridge having a lateral truss structure. A further deck slab is associated with the last bridge section.

Abstract: A method of supporting a transportation surface, such as a vehicular bridge, a railroad trestle or an elevated walkway, that is resistant to unexpected, infrequent shocks such as might be encountered during an earthquake or similar disaster. The method includes arranging laterally spaced apart fixed bearing members on a surface adjacent a path for a transportation surface and supporting elongated elastic members on the bearing members at a distance spaced inwardly from the ends of the elastic members. The transportation surface may be placed in association with the elastic members. Beginning from an equilibrium state, each elastic member is capable of bending in proportion to the magnitude of an additional load applied intermediate the ends of the elastic member, with the ends of the elastic member sliding against the bearing members a distance also proportional to the magnitude of the additional load.

Abstract: A load supporting structure includes a pair of beams with tension members extending between them. A deck formed from fiber reinforced concrete is supported on the beams with fasteners extending between the beams and deck. The tension members provide sufficient rigidity to allow an arching action to develop within the deck and thereby avoid the need for steel reinforcements within the deck.

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member, such as a bridge unit and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders which are transversely spaced and a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders. Each composite unit has a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. The beams are positioned transversely with respect to the girders and attached thereto. Additional, longitudinal beams are disposed between the transversely extending beams over the girders. The longitudinal beams are attached to the girders and by connectors to the molded deck. The structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. Any gaps between adjacent composite units are filled with a non-shrink, high strength grout.

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member, such as a bridge unit and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders which are transversely spaced and a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders. Each composite unit has a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. The beams are positioned transversely with respect to the girders and attached thereto. Additional, longitudinal beams are disposed between the transversely extending beams over the girders. The longitudinal beams are attached to the girders and by connectors to the molded deck. The structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. Any gaps between adjacent composite units are filled with a non-shrink, high strength grout.

Abstract: A cover (1) for temporarily covering a trench, e.g. in a thoroughfare such as a road or footpath, by extending over, and resting on the ground on opposite sides respectively of the trench, the cover (1) being releasably engageable with other adjacent covers (1a and 1b) by means of male members (5 and 5b) mating with respective corresponding female members (6a and 6) in such a manner that when the covers (1, 1a and 1b) are engaged in a ground resting position to form an assembly (7) of covers, one cover (1b) of the assembly can be disengaged from the adjacent cover (1) only by moving the cover (1b) out of the general plane of the assembly.