Abstract: A fall protection device including a first housing part, a second housing part, a rotation unit, a safety belt, a spiral spring for coiling the safety belt around the rotation unit and a brake unit for limiting rotation of the rotation unit is disclosed. The first and the second housing parts respectively include a first containing room and a second containing room. The first and the second housing parts conjugate with each other and constitute a housing. The brake unit is positioned in the first containing rooms, while part of the safety belt and the spiral spring are positioned in the second containing rooms. By separately positioning the brake unit and the safety belt in the first and the second rooms, the dust coiled together with the safety belt into the housing will not adhere to the brake unit and its effect on the brake unit's function is prevented.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a brace transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof in the vicinity of the anchorage of a structure having a cavity pipe, an adapter ring, a tubular or annular supporting element which has a second axially loadable support surface, which is arranged concentrically in relation to the second axially loadable bearing surface of the adapter ring and of which the opening, which encircles a third longitudinal axis, forms a supporting surface for the brace by way of its inner circumference, wherein the opening has an amount of eccentricity E2 in relation to the second axially loadable support surface of the supporting element, and having a fastenor which clamps the cavity pipe, the adapter ring and the supporting element together axially in position relative to one another.

Abstract: The structural cable has several stretched tendons (4). It is diverted in a device comprising a body crossed by conduits (10). Each conduit has a wall to guide one of the tendons along a curved path. The wall of the conduit has a tendon support area (11) directed toward the interior of the curve of the path. This support area presents, in the center portion of the conduit and transverse to the curved path, a section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is appreciably equal to half the external diameter of the tendon. The central portion of the conduit has a cross-section enlarged outside the support area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement (202) for a building element comprising tension members. The sealing arrangement (202) is arranged to seal off an internal part of the building element. The sealing arrangement (202) comprises: (a) a first pressing element (500) of rigid material; (b) a transition pad (501) of deformable material; (c) a sealing pad (503) of elastic material; and (d) a second pressing element (505; 507) comprising a rigid layer (507) for pressing the transition pad (501) and the sealing pad (503) against the first pressing element (500). The transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are provided with holes for the tension elements to pass through. When operationally in place, the first pressing element (500), the transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are pressed together.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A first discharge inspection part is configured to inspect and judge a first target nozzle regarding whether or not the first target nozzle discharges the liquid, and is configured to again inspect the first target nozzle if noise is detected. A second discharge inspection part is configured to inspect and judge a second target nozzle regarding whether or not the second target nozzle discharges the liquid, and is configured to again inspect the second target nozzle if noise is detected. The first discharge inspection part and the second discharge inspection part inspect the first target nozzle and the second target nozzle in parallel. The first target nozzle and the second target nozzle shift, if the first target nozzle has been judged, regardless of or not the noise is detected during the first target nozzle being again inspected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a cable-stayed bridge with a tensionless stay cable, including the steps for: constructing a main tower 100, continuously installing a suspension cable 200 over a main span and a side span, installing a plurality of hangers 210 on the suspension cable 200, arranging an anchorage cable 220 in a longitudinal direction by connecting the anchorage cable 220 to a lower end of the hanger 210, installing a stay cable 110 in sequence, constructing a girder by connecting a segment 300 constituting the girder to each of the stay cables 110 in sequence, and connecting the segments 300 one another in a longitudinal direction, and removing the suspension cable 200, the hanger, and the anchorage cable 220.

Abstract: A suspension bridge is supported by a cable having one or more cable bands. An anti-rusting device is comprised of one or more covers, each of the covers including an inner peripheral surface and covering the cable so as to leave a gap between the inner peripheral surface and an outer periphery of the cable, the gap being capable of conveying a gas along the outer periphery of the cable; and a ventilator configured to dry and feed the gas into the gap, the ventilator air-tightly communicating with the gap.

Abstract: A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.

Abstract: A stay comprises an inclined casing and a bundle of substantially parallel taut reinforcements lodged in the casing and individually anchored in a first and a second anchoring region. According to the invention, the casing and some of the reinforcements are installed by applying substantially uniform tension values to the reinforcements, then several iterations of the following steps are formed: compacting the installed reinforcements, at least at one end of the casing; slipping a further group of reinforcements along inside the casing, in a space left available by the compacted reinforcements; and tensioning each reinforcement of the further group between the first and second anchoring regions so that all the installed reinforcements exhibit substantially uniform tension values.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel construction method to longitudinally offset a traditional bridge substructure to a desired location by utilizing unconventional link-support or alternative support systems. This invention describes an approach to achieve longer span length, wider opening and/or greater lateral underclearance for the needed facility below a bridge span that no other traditional bridge construction methods could provide.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant tension member, particularly an inclined cable of a cable stayed bridge, is comprised of a bundle of individual elements, for example, steel wire strands, which in its open area is encapsulated by sheathing, and which within the structure extends inside a guide canal that is formed by a recess pipe. The sheathing—sealing off the front side of the guide canal—is thereby directly or indirectly connected to the structure. Between the sheathing and the entrance point of the tension member into the structure, a connecting pipe is arranged, which on the one hand is detachably connected to the sheathing and on the other hand is connected to the structure by a flange plate.

Abstract: A method of modifying the vertical profile of a cable supported bridge. The method consists of sequentially adjusting a lower end of a series of supporting cables downward relative to the bridge superstructure and sequentially adjusting an attachment structure associated with the lower end of each cable to maintain the distance each cable has been adjusted. The adjustments preferably proceeds according to a pre-specified plan known as an adjustment sequence. The preparation of an adjustment sequence according to the methods disclosed allows the modification of the vertical profile of the bridge superstructure to be completed without overstressing any bridge members, and with predictable results.

Abstract: An electrical machine with at least a machine unit. The machine unit includes a stator, which includes a plurality of magnetic flux conductors and an electric conductor forming a winding extending in a substantially closed winding path through each magnetic flux conductor, and a movable element, which includes permanent magnet elements movable in a reciprocating movement in relation to the stator along a movement path. The winding path includes a first current carrying portion, which extends substantially in parallel with the movement path. Each magnetic flux conductor is arranged to form, together with one of the permanent magnet elements, a closed magnetic flux circuit extending around the current carrying portion. The magnetic flux conductors are arranged in an alternating order with respect to the direction of the magnetic flux in relation to the permanent magnet elements in the respective magnetic flux circuit.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Suspension cables for an elevated lightweight guideway are arranged so that high-speed traffic along the guideway is not subjected to guideway-induced oscillation. Furthermore, suspension cables are interconnected so that pre-assembled towers and guideway spans can be transported and rapidly installed by helicopter.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for closing off the areas to be filled with a casting compound of a tension member composed of a bundle of individual elements arranged within a tubular sheathing, for example, a stay cable of a cable-stayed bridge, includes a sealing plug composed of a first sealing layer of a deformable, non-flowable sealing material introduced between the individual elements, a second sealing layer of a setting or hardenable material introduced in a flowable state and arranged adjacent the first sealing layer in the direction toward the area to be filled out with casting compound.

Abstract: A method of construction a prestressed cable-stay bridge is provided. The method includes the constructing at least a tower having a pier, a pair of masts and a girder between the masts for securing a deck, a main beam supported on the deck along a longitudinal direction of the bridge, a pair of sub-beams connect to two ends of the main beam and suspended from a plurality of temporal stay cables from the top of the masts, an upper portion and a plurality of segment secured on the top of the main beam and the sub-beam after the performance of on the spot prestressing procedure, a plurality of side reinforcements secured to the elongate gaps at two lateral side of the bridge, a plurality of permanent stay cables instead of the temporal stay cables for suspending the bridge from the inner side of the masts and a roadway paved on the top of the bridge.

Abstract: The bridge includes a plurality of foldable portions or modules (M) interconnectible releasably in sequence longitudinally. Each module (M) includes a central deck member (9) and two lateral deck members (10, 11) articulated to opposite sides of the central deck member (9). Respective longitudinal beams (13-16) extend from the lower faces of the lateral deck members (10, 11) and, together with the homologous beams of the other modules (M), constitute the load-bearing trusses of the bridge in its condition of use.Conveniently, the bridge is constructed by a method of assembly which provides for the use of a load-bearing assembly structure or forestarling (S). This load-bearing assembly structure (S) is assembled in a position of assembly on a first side (B.sub.1) of the gap (R) to be spanned by the bridge and is then advanced until it reaches the other side (B.sub.2) of the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a cable-stayed bridge extending between at least three towers. Initially, a horizontally extending truss spanning from a first tower to a second tower is moved longitudinally to be projected from the second tower to a third tower. The truss is then elevated. A plurality of stay cables are then strung from an elevated location on the second tower to a series of temporary connections to the truss on both sides of the second tower. A deck portion is then constructed on the truss on both sides of the second tower, and the cables that are not connected to the truss are connected to this deck portion. Finally, the cables are disconnected from the truss and the truss and hence the deck portion are lowered, causing the cables to support the weight of the deck and to acquire the desired tensional stresses. The procedure is faster than hitherto know methods of constructing this type of bridge.

Abstract: A bridge, the deck of which comprises two superimposed frames (4,5) each serving as a roadway. These frames are connected by diagonal connecting girders (6) slanting both relative to the vertical and relative to the length of the bridge and joining the edges of the upper and lower frames, and auxiliary connecting girders (7) situated in vertical planes passing through the edges of the lower frame. The prestressing cables (17) of a diagonal girder (6) are anchored to the edge of the upper frame, pass transversely through the lower frame, and then through the diagonal girder which is symmetrical therewith relative to the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the bridge, and are anchored on the opposite edge of the upper frame.

Abstract: A car travels along a sheathed cable, especially a suspension cable of a bridge, with the cable sheathing being of sheet metal and forming a rabbet projecting radially outwardly and following a helical course in the lengthwise cable direction. The car has at least one drive member engaged in the rabbet grovoe limited on the side by the rabbet. The drive member can be moved by a drive device immovable relative to the car along the lengthwise axis of the cable, but movable on a track concentric with the lengthwise axis of the cable.

Abstract: A utility bridge suitable for connecting offshore facilities such as offshore platforms is disclosed in which a plurality of helical pipelines provide flow communication between the facilities and relative movement of the facilities in response to environmental forces is provided for by helical pipelines with torsion expansion loops supported by a substantially rigid frame of the utility bridge which has means to prevent coupling of dynamic forces between the respective offshore facilities.

Abstract: In the assembly of a tension tie member between spaced anchors when the tie member is made up of a number of individual tension elements, such as steel wires, steel strands or the like, enclosed within a tubular sheathing, the tension elements are inserted individually and successively between the anchors and it is necessary to insert the annular wedges which anchor each element before the tension elements are released from a threading device. To prevent the annular wedges from prematurely entering into the boreholes in the anchor plate, an auxiliary plate is positioned spaced from the anchor plate. The auxiliary plate has at least one through borehole axially alignable with the boreholes in the anchor plate. A tubular section is secured to the auxiliary plate and forms an extension of the borehole therein. An annular wedge to be inserted into one of the boreholes and the anchor plate can be held on the tubular section by resiliently expanding the wedge about the outer surface of the tubular section.

Abstract: A concrete deck truss bridge and method of constructing same employing precast compression and tension diagonals with the latter having oppositely extending feet at opposite ends so as to define therein surfaces for support of the intervening compression diagonals, and opposite sides of the feet defining anchor blocks for post-tension tendons. Construction proceeds from main span piers toward the mid-span and end span piers under balanced loading, in sequence.

Abstract: A prefabricated three-dimensional truss structure for a bridge, or the like, the truss formed from bars arranged to define triangular or rectangular patterns. The bars are formed from prestressed, high-strength concrete that are connected at their ends with assembly blocks that are prestressed, the prestress being preferably provided by the cables that prestress the bars, and which terminate at the blocks. A plurality of such unit trusses can be assembled to provide a truss structure for a bridge span, and the trusses can assume a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: Proposed is a method for the erection of structures, such as bridges, that display pre-fabricated concrete beams, according to which the individual pre-fabricated beams are produced, on the spot, on a feed rigging within the corresponding work area of the structure, in a heated and laterally tiltable form. After removal from the form, the thusly produced pre-fabricated beams are transferred sidewardly into their final position by means of gantry cranes. During concretizing of the individual pre-fabricated beams, flexure of the feed rigging carrying the form is equalized in continuous fashion, in correspondence with the progressing, concretizing process, by transfer pumping of ballast liquid.

Abstract: A cable-stayed girder bridge having a concrete deck girder which includes longitudinally extending stiffening girders having cables embedded therein and a laterally extending deck portion is constructed by sequential formation of said deck girder in successive adjacent sections. The longitudinally extending stiffening girder portions of said deck girder are first formed, support cables are embedded therein and subsequently tensioned. After hardening of the stiffening girders, the laterally extending deck portion of the duck girder is formed. A form carrier movable along the bridge during its construction extends in a cantilevered arrangement from a previously formed deck girder section to provide support for a successive deck girder section during formation thereof.