Abstract: A deck system is disclosed having a mounting plate with a planar support surface and at least one locating rod extending from the support surface. The locating rod extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface. A beam having a first end and a second end is positioned on the support surface of the mounting plate. The first and second ends of the beam have a slot and the slot is disposed for receiving the locating rod. At least one tread is disposed to extend between the two spaced apart parallel oriented beams. The tread has opposed shoulders on the side of the tread that engages the spaced apart beams. The opposed shoulders are disposed for engaging a side of the spaced apart beams that are in adjacent relationship.

Abstract: A method for making a prefabricated, prestressed module includes arranging one or more steel beams atop a supporting formwork element in a direction transverse to the supporting formwork element and arranging one or more precast deck elements across the one or more steel beams to create a substantially continuous surface. The one or more precast deck elements have pockets for receiving connectors that protrude from the one or more steel beams. The method also includes arranging the supporting formwork element to allow the one or more steel beams to bend into a cambered shape to impart compressive stresses to a bottom flange of the one or more steel beams and tension stresses to a top flange of the one or more steel beams and inserting grout into the pockets to hold the cambered shape and to bond the one or more precast deck elements to the connectors and the top flange.

Abstract: A hat-shaped stringer includes wrap of at least one composite ply which includes cap portion and first flange which extends from a first side of the cap portion and second flange which extends from a second side of the cap portion, wherein the cap portion defines a recess positioned between the first and second flanges. Further included is a first composite wall which extends in a first direction along a first plane within the recess, wherein the first plane intersects the cap portion and intersects a skin positioned between the first and second flanges to which first and second flanges are secured and opposing sides of the first composite wall are spaced apart from the cap portion. First composite wall is connected to a second composite wall, which extends along the cap portion, are a portion, for example, of a triangular formation having radial portions.

Abstract: A bridge heating system includes mounting boxes, each of the mounting boxes having one or more access doors; and one or more mounting points to provide a point to attach the mounting boxes to an underneath side of a bridge; the one or more access doors are to provide access to an interior of the mounting box; heating devices secured inside each of the mounting boxes; a control system, having a thermostat; a heat generator; and a power source; the heat generator is to heat the devices; the control system is to activate heating devices based upon a predetermined temperature recorded by the thermostat.

Abstract: A snow and ice melt system having one or more zones, each including one or more heaters, and having one or more controllers configured to use a power output of each heater and an average temperature of each zone to determine operational control of each heater to achieve a specified result. Hydronic or resistive heaters could be used. The controllers may be configured to use a system temperature response over time to determine if a phase change of the snow or ice is occurring. The phase change might indicate that snow or ice is present on a zone and is melting. Use of a first derivative of the system temperature response over time might determine a percentage of a zone covered by snow or ice. Use of a second derivative of the system temperature response over time might determine whether melting is complete.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated deck panel includes a plurality of corrugations extending transversely along a length, and a pre-fabricated end dam on at least one end of the panel. The end dam extends to a height of the corrugations. The panel may further include at least one pre-fabricated side edge dam on at least one side of the panel. The side edge dam extends to height above the corrugations.

Abstract: A construction module for a structure, comprising: a formwork member that includes a base, a pair of parallel side walls that extend upwardly from the base, and a pair of parallel end walls. The base, the side walls and the end walls define a cavity for reinforcement and concrete. A reinforcement member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. When the reinforcement member is located in the cavity and concrete fills the cavity, the lower portion of the reinforcement member and the concrete define an elongate beam.

Abstract: An isolation block is useful for sealing a flute of a fluted metal deck and a movement joint between the metal deck and an adjacent wall configuration. The isolation block includes a flute sealing portion adapted to snugly fit into one of the flutes of the fluted metal deck, a joint sealing portion for sealing a movement joint, and a corrugation sealing portion for sealing a corrugation between adjacent fluted deck elements or in one of the fluted deck elements.

Abstract: A test method is provided to reproducibly test under matched HY100 welds to robustly establish the production parameters for the welding process. The test method comprises forming a ‘U’ shaped groove in a plate to which steel members are welded on the reverse side. The steel members comprise transverse members that extend across the weld. The transverse members are arranged at a density of at least four members for each 0.5 m length of weld and preferably five transverse members. The steel members further comprise longitudinal stiffeners that extend parallel to the weld. The longitudinal stiffeners are arranged at a density of two stiffeners per 0.4 m width of the plate. The high density of stiffeners has provided a reproducible and reliable weld test method that is capable of being used to establish and approve production parameters for the welding process of under matched HY100 welds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating transportation components such as a bridge deck with a coating. The coating includes a sealant and rubber mixed with a resin and a foaming agent. The apparatus includes a hopper for the rubber, a impingement gun for the resin and a gun assembly that combines the rubber and resin together at a combined nozzle for spraying.

Abstract: A reinforced composite structure that includes multiple regions of different geometric configurations connected together by a transition region. The reinforced composite structure includes reinforcement fibers on at least a portion of the transition region.

Abstract: An erosion-preventing laminate mat may include a first layer of slivers of a natural material, a second layer of slivers of a synthetic material, and, in embodiments, a third layer of an open mesh. A system for utilizing the erosion-preventing laminate may include a movable frame having an upper surface shaped to pass beneath a substantially flat sheet of tied block mat, the frame including a spindle below the upper surface for supporting a roll of the first mat, the first mat including the first layer of slivers of a natural material, the second layer of slivers of a synthetic material, and the third layer of an open mesh. In embodiments, a system for forming the mat includes a movable frame shaped to pass beneath a substantially flat sheet of the tied block mat, and including a spindle below the upper surface for supporting a roll of the first mat.

Abstract: In a bridge expansion joint, a pair of lower plates is disposed between one bridge deck section and the other bridge deck section with leaving a predetermined interval. An upper plate is respectively disposed on an upper surface of the lower plate, in which the width of the upper plate in the horizontal direction is smaller than that of the lower plate. A load supporting means is disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate. The load supporting means comprises a pair of link members or a pair of finger members. A reinforced plate is disposed between the load supporting means and the lower plate, in which an inclined plane is respectively provided at both sides of the reinforced plate so that the reinforced plate has a narrow top and wide bottom-shaped section.

Abstract: A stackable mat includes a first industrial mat, a second industrial mat and an internal support structure. The mats each have a plurality of layers or plies of construction materials for forming the upper and lower portions, respectively, of the stacker mat, and have a thickness that provide support for vehicle movement thereover. The internal support structure includes a truss or elongated members for retaining the first and second mats in parallel spaced relation at a distance that is greater than the thickness of the first industrial mat. Preferably, the internal support structure and the second industrial mat or both the first and second industrial mats are configured with sufficient openings to allow water to flow therethrough so that the stacker mat may be placed in wet areas to form a temporary roadway or platform.

Abstract: A modular bridge deck system supported on a plurality of cooperating girders and the deck system that comprises a plurality of deck panels secured together to form a modular bridge deck. Each deck panel is preferably formed by longitudinally shop friction-stir welding a plurality of elongated, multi-void, extruded aluminum structural elements. A top surface of each respective deck panel and the longitudinal shop-welding form a substantially continuous top surface of the modular bridge deck. In addition, the modular bridge deck has a depth and weight that is substantially equal to a weight of a steel open-grid deck of a moveable bridge or fixed span bridge to be replaced by the modular bridge deck system.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an openable drain strainer with a central longitudinal axis. An openable basket includes a frame having a sidewall extending circumferentially around the axis, and a bottom movable with respect to the frame from a closed position to an open position to open the basket and facilitate removal of debris.

Abstract: A bridge assembly includes a plurality of platform members which may be secured to support beams via individual platform chassis which are configured to allow tool-less attachment bolt heads thereto. A plurality of specially configured clamps are attached to the free ends of the bolts and the clamps are used to secure the platform members to the platform chassis. The platform chassis are each secured to the outer support beams via L-brackets that are mounted between the chassis and support beams. The support beams include flanged channels wherein the heads of a plurality of bolts may be attached without the need for tools. The platform members may be laid in either a parallel or perpendicular orientation with respect to the outer support beams with two different clamp styles being used depending on the orientation selected.

Abstract: A composite action support structure for a bridge or other civil infrastructure includes an elongate member made of a plastic material and providing load bearing capability. A cover plate is made of a plastic material and extends along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member. A lower surface of the cover plate is mated to the upper surface of the elongate member. A plurality of panels made of a plastic material are arranged at an angle to the cover plate, and a lower surface of each of the panels mates with an upper surface of the cover plate. The elongate member, the cover plate and the plurality of panels form a structural unit. The plastic materials used can include virgin plastic, thermoplastic, recycled thermoplastic composite, recycled structural composite, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: A bridge pier structure includes a damper having damping characteristics, a substructure joined with a lower end portion of the damper, and a pillar member provided upright on the substructure, a side surface of the pillar member being joined with an upper end portion of the damper. The damper is substantially parallel to the side surface of the pillar member.

Abstract: Road height values for a road network area are generated based on locations of junctions and stacking orders of roads in junctions in which at least one road passes over another road. A cost function can be optimized to obtain height values for each road of each junction. The cost function can be constrained such that roads of the grade separated crossings satisfy the stacking order designated for the roads and to have a minimum distance between roads having consecutive stacking order values. The obtained height values can be used for rendering a three-dimensional map of a part of the road network area.

Abstract: A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes upper, lower, and first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface. The slab is abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits mate to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. By access through apertures in each slab, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the upper surface of the first slab. A modular surface system includes two such slabs and a joining structure to join the two slabs together.

Abstract: A composite structural panel is provided. The panel comprises a top reinforced fiber layer, a top infusion medium layer, a core, a bottom infusion medium layer, and a bottom reinforced fiber layer. The composite structural panel is infused with a potting material, preferably an epoxy resin, that extends throughout the composite structural panel to provide composite action. The wood core comprises wood beam elements aligned in the longitudinal direction relative to the steel beams or girders of a supporting frame. Mechanical and chemical means are utilized to connect the composite structural panel to the supporting frame.

Abstract: A slip-mold having a housing having (a) concrete hopper having (b) means for distribution of quick set concrete within said hopper, (c) a mold cavity, and (d) at least one tunnel, in communication with said mold cavity, and extending through said housing from the leading to the trailing end of said housing. The tunnel through the housing is of sufficient height and width, and positioned within said mold housing, to permit rebars, extending from an iron work array, to pass through said mold cavity without becoming embedded in concrete, concurrent with the formation of a slip formed concrete structure on a portion of said iron work array.

Abstract: A system for tension bracing a series of spaced girders forming a part of a bridge which includes a lateral member extending across the tops of the series of spaced girders. A first end of the lateral member is attached to a first girder in the series of spaced girders. A second end of the lateral member engages an adjustable mount, which is affixed to the last girder in the series of spaced girders. The adjustable mount adjusts the tension in the lateral member and, once a predetermined tension is reached, the lateral member is affixed to the intermediate girders in the series of spaced girders.

Abstract: A process for slip forming of concrete structures, specifically, concrete structural components, for road and bridge construction. This process has particular application for slip forming of monolithic structures having multiple component/functional parts, wherein the resultant slip formed monolithic, structure has exposed rebars bar the later integration with additional concrete structures arid/or mechanical structural elements, c,g. noise walls, barricades, guard rails and the like. This invention also includes a system adapted for the formation of these unique, monolithic slip formed structures with exposed rebars, including the tunnel mold assembly, which is utilized in this slip forming process; and, the resultant to slip molded monolithic structural component with exposed rebus.

Abstract: Bridge including a bridge deck extending in a bridge direction or longitudinal direction of the bridge, and two prefab bridge railings situated on the longitudinal side of the bridge deck, wherein the bridge deck is substantially formed by one or more slabs spanning the bridge width, wherein the bridge railing includes a lower girder provided with a bearing, particularly a bearing edge, for a longitudinal edge strip of the bridge deck.

Abstract: A mobile access unit for allowing passengers to embark or disembark from a craft, such as an aircraft, the unit comprising: a first moveable ramp section, extending from an entry/exit end, which allows access to the loading door of the craft, to a hinged end, wherein the entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; a second moveable ramp section, extending from a hinged end to a ground entry/exit end, which allows access to the ground, wherein the ground entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; and a non-linear middle ramp section, extending from a first linking end, which links with the hinged end of the first moveable ramp section, to a second linking end, which links with the hinged end of the second moveable ramp section; wherein the first moveable ramp section, middle ramp section and second moveable ramp section can together form a continuous non-linear ramp that can extend from the craft lo

Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap at opposite ends of the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A protective coating system for a railway structure having a waterproof membrane and a ballast mat. The waterproof membrane is disposed on the railway structure. The ballast mat further has a ballast protection coating and a sealing layer. The ballast protection coating is a rubber compound and is disposed on the waterproof membrane. The sealing layer is disposed on the ballast protection layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a floor slab structure for a bridge, the structure comprising: a girder-integrated floor slab having a girder member which is supported on a pier and supports a floor slab member, and which integrally protrudes from the lower surface of the floor slab member, multiple floor slab members being arranged to be connected in longitudinal and transverse directions; and a side barrier-integrated floor slab having a side bather member which integrally protrudes from the upper surface of one side of the floor slab member, multiple floor slab members being arranged to be connected in longitudinal and transverse directions. Accordingly, on-site work is minimized, the construction process for a bridge superstructure is simplified, the construction time period is shortened, the construction costs are significantly reduced, and the construction of skew bridges or curved bridges is simplified.

Abstract: A form or a series of forms for forming the bridge diaphragm from concrete material includes one or more bottom walls having an inner surface thereof abutting a bottom surface of the diaphragm. There is at least a pair of side walls upstanding on the inner surface of the bottom wall or walls at a respective longitudinal edge thereof and has an inner surface thereof abutting a respective side surface of the diaphragm. The at least the pair of side walls define each of a generally open top and a generally hollow interior of the form. There is also means for securely attaching each end of the form or series of forms to one of a side surface of at least one of the pair of longitudinal members and an end of another form for forming the diaphragm from the concrete material. Bracing of upper edges is also provided.

Abstract: A pre-stressed concrete bridge using longitudinal load members of a single continuous beam including at least two types of concrete, one of which is ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mix with a compressive strength exceeding 20 ksi and tensile strength exceeding 1.5 ksi in a region proximate to the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body in which main girders are integrated with deck plates. Precast concrete deck members connected in longitudinal and transverse directions are pre-stressed by pre-stressed members, thereby making it possible to increase load carrying capacity or rigidity of a structure to stably use the structure for a long time. Further, it is possible to support the load applied from the top of a deck structure with a small thickness, and to make the deck structure light. Due to a knockdown type (fit-together type), installation and dismantlement are easy, and reuse is possible, and thus it is possible to provide convenient construction and low production costs.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.

Abstract: Precast concrete slabs, methods of manufacture and installation are provided. In this regard, a representative precast concrete slab includes: a first portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides being positioned along an exterior of the slab and residing in a first plane; and a second portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the second portion being positioned along the exterior of the slab and residing in a second plane, the second plane being non-parallel with respect to the first plane; the third side of the first portion and the third side of the second portion being positioned adjacent to each other and forming a transition between the first plane and the second plane.

Abstract: A bridge deck suspended from a support beam where the deck describes a laterally curved shape, for example an arch having an apex between two deck ends. The support beam describes a laterally curved shape similar to that of the deck, for example an arch having an apex and two ends opposite to the apex that are secured in a base (foundation) in the ground. The support beam is generally inclined from the support's base foundations to the apex at an angle sufficient to position the support above the deck. The support's relative position, dimensions and shape are such that the majority of the supporting beam is above and approximately horizontally aligned with corresponding points of the deck, thereby allowing suspension cables to extend near vertically between attachment points on the support beam and corresponding attachment points on the aligned portions of the deck.

Abstract: Methods and systems for building a stress ribbon structure over an opening via incremental launching, a construction fixture, a support structure, an anchorage panel, and a stress ribbon structure are disclosed. Construction fixtures are constructed adjacent to a support structure. The stress ribbon structure is constructed in a staging area and in sections that are suspended between the construction fixtures. Anchorage panels at each end of a section engage a blister on the construction fixtures and the support structure. Completed sections are launched from the construction fixtures onto and along the support structure. Sections are individually constructed and launched and adjacent sections abut along a lateral edge. Adjacent sections are aligned by adjusting tension in integral support cables and their ends pivot or rotate about the blisters via a bearing system with both rotational flexibility and low friction to support sliding in the direction of launching.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are a large number of sites in the world's oceans and rivers that can provide a significant, viable, and cost effective source of renewable energy. Many are strategically located close to populated areas where these sites can be used to harness energy using ecologically benign hydrodynamic technology. A hydrodynamic array comprises multiple hydrodynamic elements for producing electricity by the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents.

Abstract: The description relates to modular bridges. On example of a modular bridge includes multiple parallel longitudinal modules. An individual module includes a steel superstructure embedded in a concrete deck that includes a longitudinal keyway. The concrete deck serves to maintain a longitudinal camber of the steel superstructure rather than diminishing the longitudinal camber. Adjacent parallel longitudinal modules are bolted together at adjacent opposing longitudinal keyways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load bearing construction such as a bridge in which there is provided a deck structure which is supported by and spans at least two support portions. The invention provides for the advancement of the deck structure along said support portions and in advance of said structure excavation can occur to create the space into which the deck structure is to be advanced.

Abstract: A bridge superstructure comprises a first aspect of the present invention, a bridge structure comprises a contact surface supported by a decking mounted on a superstructure. The superstructure includes a mounting for the decking. The decking comprises a panel composed of a fiber reinforced polymer composite, the panel comprising a plate having an upperside and an underside, a plurality of first and second beams, each beam having an upper face and a base face and side faces, the upper face of each beam being integral with the underside of the plate, a first beam having an aperture extending between the side faces, wherein a second beam extends through the aperture. The panel further comprises means for attachment to the superstructure and a layer of wear-resistant material on the upper side of the plate.

Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members with tensioned structural elements, typically anchored in longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices. Leveling devices permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units, except at two ends of a structural unit, where deck connection units are connected to longitudinal members. In the longitudinal direction, each girder line contains more than one girder or girder segment and the girders or girder segments are not continuous during tensioning. The girder support allows the girder or girder segments to move in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in deck units by tensioning the longitudinal load-carrying members without the use of standard post-tensioning details. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices, which also permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units. Jacking apparatuses are used to introduce deck compression by jacking against the longitudinal load-carrying members. This system can be used for new structures and for deck replacement of existing structures.

Abstract: An example method of expanding a highway have a multiple lanes passing under a highway overpass bridge having a center pier is described. The center pier may be between lanes passing in opposite directions. The center pier may be replaced with two replacement central piers having a gap there between. Additional lanes may be added through the gap between the replacement central piers. Various methods of construction and detailed designs for such bridges are also described.

Abstract: Stabilized, durable stream crossings are built from contained plant growth medium secured to the stream banks, bridge footings installed behind the contained growth medium, and an open-construction bridge deck spanning the footings that permits light and rain water to reach the growth medium on the banks underneath the bridge.

Abstract: A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams and to other such panels at abutting ends. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The runner bars are connected by cross bars and several studs extend from the runner bars into the paving material. Several nuts are welded to the runner bars at spaced intervals and aligned with holes through the runner bars for attachment to connecting structures.