Abstract: A stepped structure (100) comprising a plurality of separate run portions (1), wherein at least one of said plurality of separate run portions (1) comprises upper and lower sheets (20) each sheet having a forward longitudinal end portion (14, 24) bent downwards and a rear longitudinal end portion (12, 22) bent upwards, and a core material (30) between said upper and lower sheets (10, 20).

Abstract: Various rolled or extruded profiles (1c, 1d) with weld locations are used to connect together structural sandwich plate members comprising first and second outer metal plates (21) and an elastomer core (22) bonded to said outer metal plates (21) with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

Abstract: A riser is formed by a structural sandwich plate member in the run or tread portion but a simple steel plate in the rise portion. This riser is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than risers in which both the run and tread are formed by structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: A structural member (1) comprising: a run portion (2) formed by a sandwich structure having first (10) and second (20) plates and a core of a plastics or polymer material between and bonded to said metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween; and a rise portion (3) formed by a metal member/said rise portion being fixed to said run portion and with a first longitudinal end portion (41) of said metal member being inserted between said metal plates.

Abstract: An existing metal structure can be reinforced by providing a reinforcing metal layer on the metal structure in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of the metal structure and the reinforcing metal layer. An intermediate layer including uncured plastics or polymer material is injected into the cavity, and the plastics or polymer material is cured to adhere to the inner surfaces of the metal structure and the reinforcing metal layer. During the injecting and curing process, the reinforcing metal layer is constrained by at least one restraint member that is held to the existing metal structure by at least one magnetic clamp.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stepped riser comprising providing a first sheet of metal with a layer of plastics or polymer material bonded to the metal with at least one indentation formed in the layer of plastics or polymer material thereby to allow bending of the sheet of metal along pre-determined lines substantially without inducing compression or tension through the thickness of the layer of plastics or polymer material.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a metal panel or pipe of an existing structure comprising the steps of attaching a reinforcing metal layer to said metal panel or pipe in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of said metal panel and said reinforcing metal layer, injecting an intermediate layer comprised of an uncured plastics material into said at least one cavity, and curing said plastics material so that it adheres to said inner surfaces of said metal panel or pipe and said reinforcing metal layer.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member is manufactured by adhering perimeter bars to the faceplates rather than by welding. This method enables the production of plate members with reduced distortion. Alternatively a sealant strip may be used between the perimeter frame and the faceplates.

Abstract: Barge double hull sections wherein at least part of the double hull is comprised of first and second layers and an intermediate layer of elastomer material bonded to the first and second layers. By manufacturing double hull walls of such three layered structures, the stiffness of the hull as compared to hulls of the prior art can be significantly increased, thereby decreasing the amount of separate stiffeners required in the hull structure.

Abstract: A tubular structure is reinforced or reinstated by providing a reinforcing layer in its interior in spaced relation to the existing structure so that a cavity is formed. Plastics or polymer material, preferably a compact elastomer, is injected into the cavity and cures to bond the existing structure and reinforcing layer together so that shear forces are transferred and the reinforced structure behaves as a composite body.

Abstract: A composite structural laminate plate construction comprises two outer metal layers, a form between them and an elastomer layer bonded to the outer metal layers and filling the space between them other than that occupied by the form. The form may be foam and may be in partial contact with the metal layers.

Abstract: A connecting member for structural sandwich plate members comprises a prismatic metal body having one, or preferably two, tapered edges which provide landing surfaces and weld preparations for the face plates of the structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: Bridges decks or panels for bridge decks made of a metal-plastic-metal sandwich with the plastic bonded to the metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween. The sandwich plates may be constructed with either a solid plastic core or a composite core consisting of plastic, metal plates or structural shapes and forms within or without a frame of girders. Sandwich plate bridge panels without peripheral metal frames are held together only by the adhesion of the plastic to the metal plates.

Abstract: A wooden deck is formed by a structural sandwich plate member with a wooden layer applied to one surface.

Abstract: To connect two structural sandwich plate members (10, 20), each is provided with a channel-shaped connecting member (14, 24) fitted between and projecting from the outer plates (11, 12, 21, 22). The two plate members (10, 20) are abutted and welds (31, 32) formed between the outer plates (11, 12, 21, 22).

Abstract: A tubular structure is reinforced or reinstated by providing a reinforcing layer in its interior in spaced relation to the existing structure so that a cavity is formed. Plastics or polyer material, preferably a compact elastomer, is injected into the cavity and cures to bond the existing structure and reinforcing layer together so that shear forces are transferred and the reinforced structure behaves as a composite body.

Abstract: A riser is formed by a structural sandwich plate member in the run or tread portion but a simple steel plate in the rise portion. This riser is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than risers in which both the run and tread are formed by structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: A two-tired seating riser for a sports stadium comprises upper and lower metal plates bonded together by a solid elastomer core. The elastomer core has different thicknesses in the treads and rises. The lower tread has a lip portion in which the metal plates are flared to facilitate alignment with the riser below.

Abstract: A composite structural laminate plate suitable for building maritime vessels or for building civil structures such as double hull oil tankers, bulk carriers, barges decks for roll-on roll-off ferries, orthotropic bridge decks or for building any structural application in which the traditional method of construction uses stiffened steel plates. The laminate has two facing metal layers that are structurally bonded to a polyurethane elastomer core which may have steel or rigid foam void sections embedded within. The laminate provides equivalent in plane and transverse stiffness and strength, reduces fatigue problems, minimizes stress concentrations, improves thermal and acoustical insulation, and provides vibration control. The laminate provides a structural system that acts as a crack arrest layer and that can join two dissimilar metals without welding or without setting up a galvanic cell.

Abstract: Barge double hull sections wherein at least part of the double hull is comprised of first and second layers and an intermediate layer of elastomer material bonded to the first and second layers. By manufacturing double hull walls of such three layered structures, the stiffness of the hull as compared to hulls of the prior art can be significantly increased, thereby decreasing the amount of separate stiffeners required in the hull structure.