Abstract: A roadway arrangement comprises a first road segment; an upper bridge mounted for rotational movement about a pivot axis relative to the first road segment; a lower bridge, including one or more upwardly extending segments; and a second road segment. As a vehicle travels from the first road segment and starts moving across the upper bridge, the upper bridge will rotate downward about the pivot axis and will continue to rotate until the one or more upwardly extending segments of the lower bridge extend through respective openings defined by the upper bridge, at which time the vehicle will transition from driving on the road surface as defined by the upper bridge to driving on the road surface as defined by the upwardly extending segments of the lower bridge. The movement of the upper bridge produces work, which can then be used for power generation.

Abstract: A bonded body 10 of a carbon film covered article and a rubber is formed by bonding a carbon film covered article 13 having a carbon film 12 formed on a surface of an article 11 to an unvulcanized rubber 14 by affixing and vulcanizing. Thereby, a bonded body of rubber and, for example, metal can be provided without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for protecting supporting structures, such as those of a bridge or other such marine supporting structure, from the force of an impact of a vehicle/vessel. Such a system includes a plurality of modular components arranged in series and configured to dissipate the energy of the force through the progressive buckling of one or more of the modular components. Each modular component contains an energy dissipation unit that includes a plurality of adjacent cells. The energy of the force is dissipated in the buckling of the walls of the cells of the energy dissipation units through the formation of one or more plastic hinges and/or volume reduction of the cells.

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: A skate park has a hard top shell formed with skate features drawn down from a top surface of the hardtop shell. The hard top shell has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The hard top shell has a hard top shell inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A sidewall is formed on a side of the hardtop shell. A paint layer is disposed on the hard top shell inside surface. The skate park may have at least one half pipe. A foil layer may be laminated to the underside of the hardtop shell. The skate park preferably includes at least one bowl recess, but may have two bowl recesses joined at a connecting ridge.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter having a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may be a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to the first elongated element. The first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may be a first moment. The second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.

Abstract: A transportation system for rider propelled vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes pathways (517, 317, 717, 519, 119, 319, 719, 919, 523, 123, 323, 723, 923, 525, 325, 725) that are integrated into a building structure (101) or a series of building structures (100, 300, 500, 700, 900) connected by bridges (34, 35, 36, 37, 30, 31, 32, 33) which have an overall downward sloping grade. Elevators (515, 520, 522, 527, 115, 120, 122, 127, 315, 320, 322, 327, 715, 720, 722, 727, 915, 920, 922, 927) are utilized to transport riders, vehicles, and pedestrians to the integrated pathway.

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: A mine ventilation and bridge structure incorporating a bridge feature enabling a mine vehicle to cross over the structure. The structure comprises a pair of generally parallel and spaced-apart side walls defining opposing side walls and a plurality of elongate deck panels extending between the side walls. At least one deck panel of the plurality of deck panels is a reinforced bridge deck panel constructed to support the weight of a vehicle crossing over the mine ventilation and bridge structure.

Abstract: A triple-helix horizontal spanning structure comprised of three helical beams in compression and cables in tension which integrate with the helical compression members and together form a structure that is stable. Anchored at each end, the structure is a single-span structure without any intermediate vertical members such as columns or pylons. This super structure provides a longitudinal space for the sub structure to be hung within the helical beams and cables that can serve as platform for such things as roads or passageways.

Abstract: A scaffold arrangement for repairing the edge structure of a concrete bridge. A steel-structured bent comprises a vertical beam that can be anchored by support members to the upper surface of the bridge. The vertical beam extends to a distance above the upper surface of the bridge. An upper horizontal beam is rigidly secured to the upper end of the vertical beam and the horizontal beam extends substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the bridge and over the edge of the bridge. A vertical column is secured to the end of the upper horizontal beam. The lower end of the vertical column extends down from the edge of the bridge. A lower horizontal beam is secured to the vertical column and extends in alignment with the upper horizontal beam.

Abstract: An improved prestressed concrete bridge having internal and external tensioning tendons which follow approximately similar pathways which are not straight.

Abstract: An energy storage bridge includes a plurality of bridge girders and a bridge deck. The bridge girders include multiple steel pipes for carrying loads and storing energy in a form of compressed air contained therein and a plurality of web plates. The bridge deck is disposed on top of the bridge girders and configured for loading live loads. The steel pipes are assembled in at least a row aligned vertically. Each web plate connects a row of the steel pipes at a center line separating the steel pipes into two halves. Alternatively, a steel pipe is connected by two webs at the two sides of the pipe. Each bridge girder forms an energy storage unit between two consecutive movement joints of the energy storage bridge. Every two consecutive storage units are joined by a high pressure flexible pipe to form a giant energy storage unit.

Abstract: A method of drafting and building a prestressed concrete structure comprises the steps of a) modeling the problem of finding optimum parameters of prestressing strands in the prestressed concrete structure in a mathematical optimization problem; b) using a gradient-based numerical search method to solve the mathematical optimization problem; and c) building the prestressed concrete structure in accordance with the results of step b). A prestressed concrete structure, in particular a bridge, is drafted and built according to this drafting and building method.

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: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.

Abstract: An energy storage bridge includes a plurality of bridge girders. The bridge girder includes a number of steel pipes and a plurality of web plates. The steel pipes are assembled either in a single row or in multiple rows in the structural depth direction to form the girder together with the web plate welded between the two halves of the pipe; or with two web plates welded to each side of the pipe. The bridge girder forms an energy storage unit between two consecutive movement joints of the bridge, and two consecutive storage units can be joined by high pressure flexible pipe to form a giant energy storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic installation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise at least one traffic area, which traffic area is completely enclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at least one transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter comprising a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may comprise a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to said first elongated element. The a first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may comprise a first moment. The a second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.

Abstract: A bridge includes a pier, and a hooked collar at least formed on upstream surface of the pier. The anti-scour structure includes at least one hook extending upwardly. The hook configured for guiding water flow or downflow to move upwardly thereby protect river bed from being scoured.

Abstract: A decoration solar panel bridge supplying power sources, for commercial and residential applications, incorporates at least one solar panel in a decoration bridge comprising members of frame, cross brace and board. The wide boards including solar panels cover straight beams and cross braces as a partial or full surface of the bridge. The slice boards cover the top arc beams or alternative round beams as partial surfaces of the bridge. Each solar panel output power and dimension can be designed for desired power consumption and needed. The alternative frame members can be used to construct different shapes of the bridge and can replace the curve shape frame members. The decoration bridge includes optional members: safety fence members, supporting members and handrail members. Solar powered lights can be installed at the top of safety poles and solar powered light stands can replace the vertical spindle of handrails.

Abstract: The bridge is constructed of one inner tube and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner and outer tube are joined to each other by connecting pipes welded to the outer surface of the inner tube and to the inner surface of the outer tube so that the inner tube and the outer tube are connected to each other through said connecting pipes whereby a rigid composite structure is formed. The tubes and pipes are preferably laser welded to each other, preferably by a continuous seam.

Abstract: The invention is an Energy Storage Bridge (ESB) consisting of air-tight steel pipes, which are used to store the compressed air as stored energy, also used as the load carrying structural elements of the bridge. The stored energy can be the unwanted grid power or the intermittent regenerated energy sources. When the energy is needed, the compressed air is released to convert back to electricity, or to make use of the compressed air to produce hot water during its compression cycle, and cool air at its decompression and expansion cycle when it absorbs heat- an air conditioning technology called Air Cycle Air Conditioning (ACAC) widely used in commercial aircraft. For sea-crossing bridges, because of their great lengths the bridge body volume is enormous, and because of their remoteness from populated areas, they suit well for mass energy storage attached to power plants. With safety measures built in the steel pipes, the ESB can be applied to city road bridges.

Abstract: A mobile bridge of great length is a support construction for at least one transport means, which particularly avoids constraints and undefined stresses as a result of temperature variations and/or support lowering movements, for example, to the greatest possible extent. This will guarantee a statically definite system, is essentially accomplished in that the bridge, in its totality, forms a multi-member statically definite system in the vertical plane, and a statically definite continuous carrier in the horizontal plane. The bridge segments of the bridge are connected with one another, in articulated manner, exclusively in the vertical plane, and the bridge is supported by means of at least three bearing mechanisms of a type A, B, and C having different static valence. Each bearing mechanism of the type A, B, C is carried by a self-propelled, tip-proof traveling mechanism.

Abstract: Substructure for a construction that is self-supporting without the substructure and use of the substructure. The invention relates to a substructure for a construction that is self-supporting without the substructure, which construction has at least one carrying component accommodating at least one force, wherein the substructure can be arranged relative to the construction in such a way that it is located at least partly in direct proximity to the at least one carrying component, accommodating at least one force, of the construction. The invention also relates to the use of the substructure as an underpinning structure or as a reinforcement for the construction.

Abstract: A protective barricade system to prevent persons from accidentally falling through holes in roofs or floors or from the edges of stairwells, balconies, or pitched roofs. The barricade system comprises a plurality of barricade brackets that are spaced apart and can be releasably attached to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A method of repairing, reinforcing or reinstating a bridge, comprising fixing a reinforcing plate in a spaced relationship with an existing plate or girder, especially on the underside of the bridge structure, to form a closed cavity, and injecting plastics or polymer material into said cavity in liquid form, whereby said plastics or polymer material sets or cures so as to bond to said reinforcing and existing plates with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

Abstract: The Bridge Tower Vast Utilities comprise: multilevel blocks of recreation and pleasant entertainment arenas by usage the unique qualities of bridges as attracting, uniting structures which people always like to visit and enjoy, high-efficient energy contributors, reliable technological protection from forced oscillations, caused with gusty winds, traffic vibroeffects, earthquakes, by self-dampening flexible anti-resonance structures of the combined bridge tower column and poly flexible foundation. The swimming pools, observation lots, orchards, children centers, aquarium, jet-yacht station, parking lots, ramps, elevators, infrastructures are combined with regular transportation and architectural means of civil bridges into an integrated system.

Abstract: An improved box beam bridge and a method of construction are disclosed. The box beam bridge comprises a plurality of box beams for each lane structure of the bridge. Each of these lane structures are separately secured together and post-tensioned by means of a composite material strand. The separate lane structures are then brought together to complete the bridge width, with an interstitial box beam placed between the separate lane structures. Once arranged together, the separate lane structures and integrated interstitial box beam are secured together and post-tensioned by a second composite material strand that runs the entire width of the bridge.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prop-type damping device which effectively consumes energy of up-and-down vibration on a main girder of a bridge caused by earthquakes, winds, passing vehicles or the like to prolong a life of the bridge and improve comfort for bridge users with a simple constitution. The prop-type damping device comprises: an inclined prop member having a higher end thereof connected to a lower part of a main girder of a bridge to be horizontally movable relative to the same, and a lower end thereof connected to a position below a main girder supporting point of a pier or abutment for supporting the main girder to permit up-and-down movement of the higher end; and a damper connected to the higher end of the prop member and the main girder lower part to brake relative horizontal movements therebetween.

Abstract: A sand dune bridge is configured with a suspension span which spans a sand dune from first pilings on a landward side of the dune to second pilings in or adjacent to a seaward side of the dune. A ramp extends from the second pilings to the beach. The ramp may also be in the form of a suspension bridge wherein step carriages are suspended intermediate the ends thereof so that pilings are needed only at the ends of the carriages. The suspension arrangement uses a pair of cables extending between the pilings with bridge decking supported on stringers which are attached to lateral beams suspended from hangers extending downwardly from the cables. The bridge decking and step treads have openings therethrough for the passage of sand, air and water.

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: An overhang bracket has a top member, a side member and a diagonal member. The side and top member may be connected together through a removable connecter. A guardrail post holder allows a guardrail post to be installed at a variety of angles to the top member. Rotating the side member causes the diagonal member to translate up or down the side member. A side member locator extends upwards from the overhang bracket to indicate the location of the side member. A tie rod holder holds a tie rod in an offset position relative to the side member. The side member locator may extend upwards through further parts of the shoring system or bridge overhang structure, for example a floor of a concrete form or rebar. A worker may adjust the overhang bracket in place from a standing position on a supporting structure or the floor of the form.

Abstract: A bridge overhang bracket includes an elongate top member having inner and outer ends an elongate diagonal member having an inner end and an outer end, the outer end of the diagonal member pivotally attached to the outer end of the top member, upper and lower pivot joints secured to the top member and diagonal member, respectively, adjacent the respective inner ends thereof, and an elongate side member extending between and engaged with the upper and lower pivot joints. At least one of the pivot joints comprises an adjustable axial engagement mechanism for adjusting the position along the length of the side member at which the at least one pivot joint engages the side member.

Abstract: A system for quickly and reliably detecting a failed structure includes a signal source, a cable attached to the structure, an anti-slip cable anchor, a signal detector, and user indicator. When the structure fails, the cable attached to the structure is also broken. The user indicator is operable to display the status of the cable. The cable breaks due to exceeding the elastic modulus of the cable, caused by elongation of the distance between two fixed points caused by the failing structure. Electric power must be provided to each signal source, signal detector and user indicator.

Abstract: In order to design an infrastructure of an elevated bridge, first a target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td for the infrastructure are set in connection with an assumed earthquake motion. Subsequently, a yield seismic coefficient for the target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td is obtained from a yield seismic coefficient spectrum for the assumed earthquake motion as a design seismic coefficient Kh. On the other hand, a target yield rigidity Kd corresponding to the target natural period Td is obtained. Subsequently, the design seismic coefficient Kh is used to obtain a design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd and a displacement corresponding to the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is obtained as a design yield displacement &dgr;d from the target yield rigidity Kd. Subsequently, the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is distributed into a horizontal force Hf to be borne by the RC rigid frame and a horizontal force Hb to be borne by the damper-brace.

Abstract: A monocoque fiber reinforced plastic composite modular bridge structure and fabrication method are described in which, in a preferred embodiment, one or more bridge modules of selected length and cross-section are fabricated by applying composite fabric over a mandrel of substantially the intended shape of the module, enclosing the mandrel and composite in a vacuum bag, infusing the fabric with resin, preferably utilizing the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process, allowing the resin and fabric to cure, and applying finishing operations to the module for installation at a bridge site.

Abstract: A bridge surface preparation, maintenance and painting system has a truck-mounted man lift with an extensible platform on which robot arms and cameras are mounted. Inflatable bags isolate the area of the bridge being worked on, and an apron catches debris such as from sand blasting. An operator sits at a remote control console on a truck, directs the man lift platform into position, controls the inflating of the barriers and operates and guides the robot arms through master-slave controls while watching video displays. The machine is used for surface preparation, undercoating, finish coat painting and bridge inspections.

Abstract: An overhang bracket for preventing the discharge of debris from a structure which contains a bracket deck integrally connected to a bracket frame. The bracket deck and bracket frame preferably each has a length of from about 4 to about 15 feet. The bracket deck is preferably substantially L-shaped, with a horizontal and vertical surface disposed vis-a-vis each other at an angle of from about 60 to about 150 degrees; and it has a load capacity of from about 50 to about 1,000 pounds. The bracket frame contains at least two triangular braces. The bracket deck and/or the bracket frame contains an orifice which extends inwardly.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A bridge of shock-absorbing construction is disclosed, which includes horizontal members arranged in series, vertical members supporting the horizontal members, and connectors for connecting the adjacent horizontal members or for connecting the horizontal member and the vertical member, wherein shock absorbers formed from a material with an elastic modulus in flexure over 200 kgf/cm2 and each having a wall structure in a shock-loading direction are disposed on the connectors or at the points of contact between the horizontal members or between the horizontal member and the vertical member.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A docking assembly for the platform of a shuttle system includes a movable plate extending outward from the platform. The plate is engageable with an end wall of the shuttle such that the plate extends from the platform to the shuttle. As a result of the ability of the plate to move, the platform accommodates the variation in stopping positions of the shuttle and permits end docking of the shuttle without the need to precisely position the shuttle. In a particular embodiment, the docking assembly includes a guard rail extending outward from the platform and disposed in a pivoting relationship such that, upon sufficient motion of the shuttle toward the platform, the guard rail pivots away from the shuttle.

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: 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: An automatic vehicle transportation system (AVTS) is installed on a long or super long bridge in order to lighten and permit elongation of the entire bridge structure. The transportation system includes mode converting interchanges, automatic transportation lanes, trucks or pallets on which vehicles are mobilized, garages for trucks or pallets, converting lanes for trucks or pallets, merging and diverging ramps, toll gates, embarkation entrances and disembarkation exits, a fiber optic cable and a control center. In this innovative design, solar cells, a beat pump, bicycle paths, motorcycle paths, a green zone, shops and walkways for people may be located on the bridge floor. It is also possible to install the automatic vehicle transportation system inside the box girder or the lower deck of a truss girder without polluting the inside air of the girder.

Abstract: Windbreak barrier for a suspension bridge comprising a substantially rigid flat structure, the top surface of which forms the roadway for the vehicles crossing the bridge, and a suspension system formed of catenary cables and of a plurality of vertical stays or hangers (P) to which is anchored the structure. The windbreak barrier comprises, on the one hand, aerodynamic elements consisting of a pair of horizontal wing surfaces (8, 9) having a symmetrical profile and forming part of a framework, and on the other hand, a vertical grille wall (910) having a transparency of the order of 70% and being mounted on the framework. The wing surfaces have a wing chord of 100 to 150 cm and a thickness, in correspondence of the highest point, of 20 to 30 cm.

Abstract: The invention provides wind flow dissipating units mountable in close relation to one another along the sidewalls of the roadway of a suspension bridge and providing pivotable plates hanging from the units in opposed parallel relation to the sidewalls, the plates being adapted to interfere with and dissipate the force of steady wind blowing toward the sidewalls so as to avoid undesirable resonance swaying of the bridge by the wind.

Abstract: A ditch filling fascine including a core comprising a plurality of inflatable core members, and a sleeve comprising a multiplicity of axially parallel sleeve members adjacent to one another and connected by at least two flexible ties such as chains. A compressed gas cylinder is provided for inflating the core, and is connected to the core members by a ring main manifold incorporating one way valves for allowing gas to flow into the core members only. The invention also provides a plurality of fascines in combination with a launching vehicle.

Abstract: A modular ramp and landing assembly made from a plurality of similarly sized pre-manufactured concrete filled rectangular panels. The ramp portion is made from the modular panels attached by their shorter sides. A support post with an angularly arranged bracket is placed beneath the corners of adjacent panels to secure them together as well as support them. The landing or horizontal portion of this assembly comprises a similarly sized rectangular panel the long side of which is in abutting relationship with the short side of the end of the ramp. Fastener receivers are equi spaced in duplicate patterns from each corner through the bottom edge of each panel. The size of the panels and the spacing of the fastener receivers are such that minimum support legs and brackets may be utilized in constructing this assembly at a final site.